A MAN accused of murder has made his first appearance in front of a judge.

Andrew Timney is accused of killing a neighbour, Jason Dean, 43, who died at a home in Brackenfield Court, Eston, near Middlesbrough, following an incident on Monday night.

Mr Timney appeared at Teesside Crown Court via a live video-link from Durham Prison this morning.

The 29-year-old, of Brackenfield Court, spoke only to confirm his identity during the brief hearing in front of Judge Stephen Ashurst.

He was further remanded in custody until he reappears on May 10.

Mr Dean, 43, was described in a statement from his family as "a loving dad and grandad" following his death.

He leaves behind doting parents, a long-term partner, two daughters, a son and a granddaughter.

In the statement, his family said: "Jason was a man who had difficulties during his life, but he did not deserve to die."

Judge Ashurst set a provisional trial date of August 20, and said it is likely to last between five and seven days.