A mother who claimed her baby was killed when they were attacked in their home by two masked men made her first appearance at crown court charged with the tot's murder today.

Danielle Wails, 21, claimed four-month old Alexander perished in a blaze caused by the hooded raiders.

But just days after the death Wails, who lived with the baby in Cowgate, Newcastle, was charged with his killing.

Her case was before Newcastle Crown Court yesterday where she appeared via TV link to Low Newton remand centre.

During the five minute hearing she spoke only to confirm her name but her barrister Tony Davison said she would be pleading not guilty to the charge.

Judge David Hodson remanded her in custody and she will next appear before the court for a plea and case management hearing on November 7.

A provisional trial date was set for February 20 next year.