THE husband of Jessica Patel appeared in court today accused of her murder.

Mitesh Patel, 36, is alleged to have killed his wife at their home in the Linthorpe suburb of Middlesbrough last Monday.

Mr Patel appeared in front of a packed public gallery at Teesside Crown Court for the brief hearing on a live video-link from Durham Prison.

He did not enter a plea, and this case will next be heard on September 3.

Pharmacy owner Mr Patel, of The Avenue, Linthorpe, was remanded in custody until the next appearance.

Mrs Patel, 34, worked at the Roman Road Pharmacy her husband owns, which is not far from the couple's semi-detached home.

The property has been at the centre of a Cleveland Police probe since emergency services were alerted to an incident there shortly before 8.30pm on May 14.

The Northern Echo: Crime scene investigators arrive at the home of Jessica Patel

Crime scene investigators at the home of Jessica Patel

The killing sparked a huge investigation, bringing in experts from outside the force area, and a large area of the street was cordoned off.

Police would only say that Mrs Patel suffered "serious injuries" and died at the scene, refusing to give more information in case it compromised the inquiry.

During the ten-minute hearing this morning, Mr Patel spoke only to confirm his name, age and nationality, and to repeatedly tell Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, that he understood what was happening during the proceedings and will happen with the case in the future.

A potential trial date is being considered in the middle of November in front of High Court judge Mr Justice Goss.