The owner of a North-East sex shop appeared in court today accused of running a brothel.

John Middleton, 59, was charged with two counts of living on the earnings of prostitution at South Durham Magistrates' Court in Darlington.

Mr Middleton, of Barrenthwaite Hall, North Stainmore, Kirby Stephen, Cumbria, runs Pleasure Zone, in Northgate, Darlington.

His wife Lesley, 52, and another woman, Catherine MacLeod, 62, of Wesley Court, Darlington, appeared beside him in the dock, charged with aiding and abetting him.

The case was adjourned until March 25.