A MAN was due to appear at Newcastle Crown Court this Friday charged with the murder of an unemployed father-of-two in Burnopfield.

Robin Jacques, 41, of Park View, Burnopfield, is accused of killing Barry Thompson, 44, of no fixed address, who was found unconscious on Thursday of last week in Mr Jacques' house.

Mr Thompson was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham City, and was later transferred to a neuro-surgery unit at Newcastle General Hospital. He died the next day.

Mr Jacques was remanded in custody when he appeared at Peterlee magistrates on Saturday.

Mr Thompson, 44, had been a manager at the former Ever Ready site, on Tanfield Industrial Estate, near Stanley. Anyone with information is asked to call police on (0191) 375 2657, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.