A man has appeared in court accused of murdering a woman who was twice stabbed with a Samurai sword and run over by a car.
Hugh Bradford Penrose, 36, of Thomas Street, Blackhill, Consett appeared before Derwentside magistrates today.
He was accused of murdering Carie Burns, 21, at a house in Thomas Street last Friday.
Penrose who was dressed in a cream coloured jacket and blue tracksuit bottoms spoke only to confirm his name and address during a three minute hearing.
He was remanded in custody and will appear at Durham Crown Court on Wednesday May 24.
Penrose sat through most of the hearing and was accompanied by two security guards.
Janet Coxon from the Crown Prosecution Service did not give any details of the alleged murder in court.
But she asked for him to be remanded in custody on the grounds of the nature of the offence, the likelihood he would fail to turn up at the next hearing and added: "There is also concern about his mental health."
Verity Dobbie, who represented Penrose made no application for bail.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article