A woman accused of murdering her 77-year-old father made her first appearance before a judge yesterday.

Ann-Marie Pyle, 41, was given permission to be represented by a Queen's Counsel and junior on charges of murdering Bill Pyle on November 4, at his home in Brooke Street, Coundon Grange, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham. She is also charged with arson being reckless to endanger lives.

Judge David Bryant was told at Teesside Crown Court that the defence team had appointed a psychiatrist to examine Miss Pyle, of Stanley Street, Close House, Bishop Auckland.

There was no application for bail and she was remanded in custody until January 25