A MAN has appeared in court charged with the manslaughter of his baby son.

Lee Clark, 27, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the short hearing at Peterlee Magistrates' Court this morning.

He is charged with the manslaughter of his son in Gainford, between Darlington and Barnard Castle, County Durham, last year.

Charlee Clark was admitted to Darlington Memorial Hospital with head injuries on Friday, February 25.

When his condition worsened, he was transferred to a specialist unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, but died on Tuesday, March 1.

Mr Clark was today relased on bail with the condition that he live at an address in Fife, Scotland.

He will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on February 8.