A MAN has appeared in Court charged with the murder of retired school teacher Patricia Thompson.

The 85-year-old widow was found dead at her fire-ravaged home in Emma Simpson Court, Hartburn, Stockton on Saturday, September 5.

She had been strangled.

This morning, Steven James Hodgson, 33, of Coulthard Court, Middlesbrough was charged in connection with her death.

Flanked by two security guards, Mr Hodgson showed no emotion as he was remanded in custody by Teesside Magistrates.

He will reappear at Teesside Crown Court on September 24.

The hearing lasted for about two minutes. It is not clear whether any members of Mrs Thompsons family were in court.