A 72-YEAR-OLD man has been charged over the death of a great-grandmother who suffered fatal injuries in a North-East care home.

Jennie Bryant, 89, died following an incident at Brockwell Court Care Home in Consett, County Durham, on June 28 last year.

She was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham but died a few days later, on July 5.

Brian Moon, 72, who also lived at the Cobden Street home, has been charged with manslaughter.

He was due to appear at Consett Magistrates' Court this morning (Tuesday, September 15) but the court heard his doctors judged him unfit to attend.

Magistrates were told that Mr Moon is detained under the Mental Health Act and is currently at Roseberry Park Hospital, Middlesbrough.

His legal representative, Amrit Jandoo, said: “He is not in attendance and is actually detained under section three of the Mental Health Act.”

The court was told he was charged with the manslaughter of Mrs Bryant.

Mr Jandoo said: “No interview under caution has taken place. He is not fit to be interviewed. There will be discussion at the crown court in due course about whether he is fit to stand trial. He is suffering from mental health problems.

“They are severe. They are chronic. The doctors are saying he is not fit to attend court. There are concerns that there is a risk, not only to himself, but also to others, if he were to attend court.”

Mr Jandoo said there was no provision under the Crime and Disorder Act to excuse defendants charged with indictable offences from attending magistrates’ court for a first appearance to be sent to crown court.

He said: “All defendants must attend unless they physically cannot be brought to court.

“I am asking you to adjourn to the court at Newton Aycliffe so a video link to Roseberry Park Hospital can be prepared and this case can be sent to the crown court.”

Magistrates agreed and the hearing will go ahead on a date to be fixed.

Chairman of the bench Christine Parker said: “It is to be adjourned to identify a suitable date for a hearing at Newton Aycliffe by video link.”