A SCOTTISH soldier has been remanded into custody charged with the murder of young woman in her North-East home.

Lance Corporal Trimaan Dhillon, 25, who serves with the Royal Regiment of Scotland, appeared before Judge Paul Sloan, the Recorder of Newcastle, sitting at Newcastle Crown Court, on Tuesday.

He stands accused of killing 24-year-old Alice Ruggles.

The former Northumbria University student, who is originally from Leicester, died following an attack at her home on Rawling Road in Gateshead at teatime last Wednesday.

Ms Ruggles, who was working for Sky in Newcastle, was found with serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Dhillon, also known as Harry Dhillon, of Glencorse Barracks in Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland, was arrested by police officers in the early hours of Thursday morning.

He appeared via video link and spoke only to confirm his name.

Emma Dowling, prosecuting, said: “The indictment in this is one count of murder.

“It is at an extremely early stage as the offence only took place on October 12.

“The defendant has been in custody ever since he was apprehended at the barracks at which he was stationed.”

Dhillon was represented in court by barrister Stuart Graham.

No plea was entered and no application for bail was made on his behalf.

The court was told a pre-trial hearing date has been fixed for November 14.

Judge Sloan said: “I am going to adjourn this case now for a further pre-trial hearing. That will be the next time you are linked into this court centre.

“Pending that hearing you will be remanded into custody.”