THE former girlfriend of a man who was tied up, beaten and stabbed to death has appeared in court accused of taking part in his murder.

Nineteen-year-old Zoe Warren was allegedly involved in the death of Mark Shaw before Christmas.

Mr Shaw, who was known locally as 'Sharky’, was found dead in a bedroom of his home in Pine Street, Grange Villa, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham. 

The 29-year-old died from a single stab wound, but had also been subjected to a prolonged attack prior to his death.

The murder, in the run up to Christmas period, stunned the tight knit community and has left the father-of-one’s family devastated.

Miss Warren was arrested at an address in Washington on Wednesday night and appeared before magistrates sitting in Peterlee on Thursday morning.

She is charged with a single count of murder between December 16 and 17 and appeared in the dock of court two wearing a purple hoodie.

Her address was given as Chipchase in Washington.

The court heard Kieran Adey, 18, of Queen Street, Grange Villa, has already appeared in court charged with Mr Shaw's murder and is due to stand trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

Sarah Trainor, prosecuting, said: “This matter will have to be sent to the crown court for progress to be made and for a bail application to be made.

“She has been charged with murder. There is also a co-accused who is charged with a like offence.

“He is awaiting trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

“It is the wish that this case is sent to Newcastle Crown Court so it can be linked in with that case.”

Joanne Gatens, who represented Miss Warren, agreed, adding: “It seems entirely sensible and that should be done as soon as possible.”

A bail application for Miss Warren will be heard at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday.

Mr Adey's next appearance was due to be Friday morning but has now been changed to Monday.

Two men, aged 22 and 19, and an 18-year-old woman, remain on police bail while enquiries continue.

Miss Warren has been remanded into custody until her next appearance.

She waved to her parents who sat in the back of court throughout the ten-minute hearing as she was led from the grass-fronted dock wearing handcuffs.