A couple were remanded in custody today after appearing before magistrates charged with the murder of their three-month-old son.

Paul O'Neil, 32, and 19-year-old Jodie Taylor, were charged in connection with the death of Aaron O'Neil who died in hospital in February shortly after paramedics were called to a house in the Kenton area of Newcastle.

A post-mortem later showed the toddler had suffered more than 30 injuries including various fractures and internal injuries.

The couple were initially charged with wounding with intent, child cruelty and neglect and faced magistrates last month.

Today they were back at Newcastle Magistrates Court to face a fresh charge of murder.

O'Neil, of Banbury Road, and Taylor, of Kinross Drive, both in the Kenton area of Newcastle, were remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on May 19.

Reporting restrictions were not lifted.