A MAN accused of murdering his wife of 18 years made his first crown court appearance yesterday.

Michael Luke, 45, who was accompanied in the dock by staff from the hospital where he is being treated, is accused of killing his 37-year-old wife, Johanna.

She was found dead with head injuries at her home in Priory Gardens, Willington, County Durham, on Sunday, August 28.

Mr Luke spoke only to confirm his name during the six-minute hearing at Teesside Crown Court.

The Crown Prosecution Service said it would file the case against the defendant within five weeks, and a plea and case management hearing was set for November 11.

Jamie Hill, for Mr Luke, said bail had been granted by magistrates because his client needed close supervision in hospital.

Judge Michael Taylor agreed to renew bail under the same terms. It is expected the case will come before the court again tomorrow or on Friday.

The case was adjourned.