THE details of how Natalie Harker is said to have died can be reported for the first time after a judge extended the custody of the man accused of her murder.

Judge Paul Watson QC ruled that Andrew Pearson should remain on remand until he is due to stand trial in July.

The 44-year-old is alleged to have killed and imprisoned Miss Harker, of Colburn, near Richmond, on October 9 last year.

The 30-year-old was found dead in Brough with St Giles, near Catterick. She had previously been reported missing.

Today, Judge Watson QC outlined details of the proseuction team's account of her death as he extended Pearson's custody time limit after his trial was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Referring to the prosecution's case, he said: "The defendant unable to deal with the break up of the relationship between himself and the deceased, Natalie Harker, ambushed and abducted her in the early hours of October 9 while she was on her way to work.

"He took her to an isolated spot in local woods where he had previously set up a base, he is set to have killed her by compression of the neck with her face held down in water, in such a way that she was unable to get up.

"He then remained with the body for several hours before contacting his mother who in turn contacted the police."

Pearson, of Chestnut Court, Catterick Garrison, is expected to tell the jury that Miss Harker slipped and fell into some water before he rescued her and attempted to carry out CPR.

Judge Watson QC said the defendant made no reply to police questions during four-and-a half-hours of interviews.

A pathologist recorded that Miss Harker had bruising to her arms and neck along with signs of drowning following an initial post-mortem examination.

Pearson's trial has been listed for two weeks at Teesside Crown Court, starting on July 13.