A MAN accused of murdering two people in their homes appeared in court via videolink with what appeared to be a fresh wound to his head.

James Allen, of Lothian Road, Middlesbrough, seemingly suffered the injury after he was remanded into custody by magistrates on Wednesday morning, an appearance at the end of which he directed an obscene gesture at the bench.

The 36-year-old was arrested in Leeds on Sunday following the murders of Colin Dunford, 81, and Julie Davison, 50.

During a brief hearing before the Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Peter Fox, at Teesside Crown Court yesterday, Allen was seen via the TV link to Holme House Prison.

Wearing a blue and white pinstriped shirt, he did not enter pleas to the two counts of murder, and charges of rape, grievous bodily harm, false imprisonment and witness intimidation that he also faces. A further incident of sexual assault was added to the charge list, but no details were given in court.

During the short hearing, Allen attempted to interrupt the proceedings, but was ignored by Judge Fox.

Owing to the nature of the alleged offences, Judge Fox said: “I have requested a judge from the High Court to come to Teesside because of the apparent seriousness of these matters.”

The case was adjourned until July 6 when a plea and case management hearing will take place. Judge Fox said he wanted the case concluded by the end of the year if it went to trial.

He said: “It is to be tried this year and concluded this year and not next year, that is the bottom line.”

Mr Dunford, of Leven Street, Middlesbrough, and Ms Davison, from Whitby, North Yorkshire, were found dead in their homes last week having suffered head injuries.

Officers investigating Ms Davison’s murder are asking anyone in the Leeds area to contact them if they have been offered a silver and black Toshiba laptop for sale since April 26.

The laptop is a Toshiba C660/C660D make, silver on the outside with a Toshiba logo in the centre and black inside. The bag is made by Texet, in black with thin, white piping on the front.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555- 111.