A MAN accused of murdering a father-of-two made his first appearance before a judge today.

Cohnor James Coleman is alleged to have killed Andrew Jackson in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

The 24-year-old appeared at Teesside Crown Court via a live video-link from Holme House Prison, Stockton.

He spoke only to confirm his name during the brief hearing conducted by Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC.

No pleas were entered, and Mr Coleman, of Cookson Way, Brough with St Giles, Catterick Garrison, will next be at court on July 23. He was remanded in custody.

He was charged with murder following the death of Mr Jackson, 43, at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough on April 27 after being assaulted near the Georgian Theatre in Richmond two days earlier.