A TEENAGER has appeared in court charged with the murder of a man found dead in his County Durham home at the weekend.

The body of father-of-one Mark Shaw was found at his home in Pine Street, in Grange Villa, near Chester-le-Street on Saturday evening.

This morning, 18-year-old Kieran Adey, from Queen Street in the same village, appeared before Peterlee Magistrates’ Court charged with murder.

During the brief hearing, Joanne Hesse, for the prosecution, told the bench: “The defendant has been charged with murder and the matter will have to be sent to the crown court.

“The defendant will need to be remanded in custody. There will be no bail application to be made today.”

No representations were made on behalf of Mr Adey.

The defendant was remanded in custody and will is due to appear before Newcastle Crown Court tomorrow.

One person has been released with no further action.

Four other people have been released on bail pending further inquiries.