A RETIRED company director accused of murdering his wife 15 years ago was granted bail yesterday.

Teesside Crown Court was told Peter Heron, 70, "vehemently denies" killing his partner, Ann.

Mrs Heron's body was found on August 3, 1990, at their home, Aeolian House, on the outskirts of Darlington.

Last Friday, Mr Heron was remanded in custody by magistrates in Newton Aycliffe, but yesterday Mr Justice Forbes agreed to grant Mr Heron bail with conditions.

Robert Smith QC said: "The body of Mrs Heron was discovered by her husband, the accused, and I do not wish to say much at the moment, but she had suffered very serious injuries as a result of a knife wound to the neck."

Mr Heron's solicitor, Peter Wishlade, told the court his client would be staying with his daughter near Yarm, while his defence team prepared his case for trial.

Mr Wishlade said: "He is a 70-year-old retired director of exemplary character and owns his own home. He lives there in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, on his own as a result of being widowed following the death of his third wife.

"He has never been guilty of any offence in his life and vehemently denies this."

Mr Wishlade said the case would not proceed for a substantial period of time and it would take time for the defence team to work on the case. There are 4,000 witness statements in relation to the offence, he told the judge.

Mr Heron spoke only to confirm his name during the 40- minute hearing.

Mr Justice Forbes said he agreed to grant him bail. He ordered Mr Heron to surrender his passport, reside at his daughter's address, and report daily to the local police station.

He also said Mr Heron must not approach or contact prosecution witnesses, either directly or indirectly.

A pre-trial hearing will take place at the end of January and a plea and case management hearing will be held on February 21.

Mr Heron refused to comment after the hearing.