A TRIAL date has been suggested for the case of a teenager accused of stabbing to death a female shop worker in a late-night attack at the premises, last week.

Ethan Mountain, 19, is alleged to have stabbed Joan Hoggett at the One Stop Shop, in Fulwell, Sunderland, on September 5.

Her death was confirmed after emergency services were summoned to the Sea Road store, shortly after 10.40pm.

The accused appeared before Newcastle magistrates, who remanded him in custody, on Saturday, and sent the case to Newcastle Crown Court.

Appearing via prison to crown court video link, the charge was not put to him.

But dates for his potential trial, of up to four days estimated length, were put forward to the court. The last suggested date, to suit counsel availability, was March 11, which is subject to confirmation.

Trial judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC remanded the accused, of Heaton Gardens, South Shields, to remain in custody, pending a pre-trial hearing, on October 26.