A WOMAN accused of murdering her husband appeared in court yesterday, alongside her co-accused nephew.

Christina Button and Simon Tannahill are accused of killing council worker George Button, 53, who died two days after being found on a roadside verge after taking his dog for a walk on March 3.

The pair were arrested at the home Mr Button shared with his wife in St Mary's Drive, West Rainton.

Mr Tannahill, 30, pleaded not guilty to murder and a trial date was set for November 11. Mrs Button did not enter a plea at yesterday's short hearing and the case was adjourned.