A MAN accused of stabbing his girlfriend’s mother to death is due in court this morning.

Gary Simon Richard Thompson, 24, of Moorland View, Castleside, Consett, County Durham, will appear before Peterlee Magistrates’ Court.

He is accused of the murder of 53-year-old Gillian Raine, who police said was subjected to a sustained attack yards from her home in Coleridge Gardens, Dipton, shortly after 7am on Monday.

Mrs Raine, who was separated from her husband, had one daughter and cared for her elderly father, who lives in a bungalow behind her home.

Her family last night issued a statement that said: “Gillian was a loving and much-loved daughter, sister and mother who will be greatly missed by her family and everyone who knew her.

“Gillian has devoted the past 12 years to setting up and running the out-of-hours school club for children from Dipton Collierley School and the surrounding area.

“The community of Dipton has been made poorer by her loss.”

Eyewitnesses said a hammer and craft knife were seen at the spot where she collapsed in a pool of blood.

Emergency services were called and despite efforts by police and paramedics to resuscitate her, Mrs Raine was pronounced dead on arrival at The University Hospital of North Durham, Durham City.

Home Office pathologist Stuart Hamilton later confirmed she died as a result of injuries caused by a knife.

It is understood the man accused of her death had been going out with her daughter, Pamela, who left a floral tribute at the scene. The card said: “To Mam, I love you and will miss you xxx.”

Mrs Raine set up and ran the after school club for primary school children and their parents in the former pit village.

Last night, David Grimes, headteacher of Collierley Primary School, paid tribute to her.

He said: “We are all devastated at the loss of Gillian Raine who was a well-respected and valued member of our school community.

“She has worked within our school for over ten years and will be sadly missed by staff and children.

“Our thoughts go out to her family at this very sad time.”