A Darlington man has appeared in court charged with murdering a 'kind-hearted' mum above a town centre pub.
Andrew Bell, 44, appeared before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court this morning, (Monday, September 28) charged the murder of 44-year-old mum Leanne Park.
Leanne, who worked at Ventress Hall care home in Darlington, was found dead in a flat above The Greyhound pub on Parkgate after 999 crews were called at about 9.15pm on Wednesday, September 23.
Speaking only to confirm his own details, Bell appeared in the dock wearing a grey tracksuit, with greying curly hair.
Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
No pleas were entered during the short hearing.
Prosecuting, John Garside asked that Bell, of Parkgate in Darlington, be remanded in custody.
District Judge Steven Hood remanded him in custody until his next court appearance at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday (September 29) at 10am.
A plea hearing has been scheduled for October 26, at the same court.
Leanne Park, 44, a mum, nana, daughter and friend (Image: DURHAM POLICE)
Crime scene investigators have continued to examine the scene and Durham Police said a cordon outside the pub was expected to remain in place “for some time”.
Police at the scene (Image: STU BOULTON)
Leanne's death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from her family, friends, colleagues and members of the public.
Over the weekend, her family described her as the "best mam, nana, daughter and friend".
They said: “She was loved by everyone and would do anything for anyone.
“She was the life and soul of the party and loved to dance.
“We love her so much and miss her more than words can describe. We are completely devastated. Her death has ripped the heart out of our family.
“We are grateful for all the kind messages and the support since her death. We ask that everyone remembers her for the kind-hearted woman she was.”
Flowers and tributes have been left outside The Greyhound.
Floral tributes at the scene (Image: STU BOULTON)
One tribute read: "Always in our hearts, taken too soon. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel."
Another said: "RIP our beautiful Auntie. You are so loved and going to be a huge miss, love you always."
Her colleagues previously paid tribute to her, saying she would "do anything for anybody".
In a Facebook post, the care home said: "I can't actually believe I am writing this, but it is with a heavy heart that I say we have lost our friend and work colleague, Leanne.
"Leanne was always so kind and would do anything for anybody, especially our residents.
"The world is beyond cruel and you have been taken too soon. We love you much Leanne.
"Love all your Ventress Work Family. You will never be forgotten. Our condolences to all Leanne's family."
Leanne's family are being supported by family liaison officers.
Durham Police said: “Anyone with any information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 521 of September 23.”
Information can also be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.