FOUR men appeared in court this morning (Tuesday, March 26) following the death of an elderly woman in an alleged bogus caller incident.

William Gales, 44, has been charged with the manslaughter of Joan Barnett, 87, who was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital after an incident at her home in the Tunstall area of the city on August 18, 2014.

She died in hospital on November 11 that year.

William Gales also faces a count of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation, along with Michael Gales, 27, Lee Davidson, 30, and Phillip Orton, 54.

The men, who appeared at Sunderland Magistrates' Court, have been charged with having, between June 1, 2014, and November 30, 2014, conspired together with other persons to commit fraud by representing they were bona fide builders and roofers, intending to make a gain, namely money.

No indications of pleas were given by either William Gales, of Ilkley Grove, Michael Gales, of Borrowdale Street, Davidson, of Shelly Grove, or Orton, of Windermere Road, all Hartlepool.

The case will be sent to crown court and all four were granted bail on condition they do not enter County Durham or Tyne & Wear except to attend court.

The men will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on May 24.

A fifth person is waiting to be charged in connection with the case, the court was told.

An inquest into her death has been opened and adjourned by Sunderland coroner Derek Winter.