A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a 'kind-hearted' mum.
Andrew Bell, 44, is accused of murdering mum Leanne Park, 44, in Darlington last week.
Leanne, who worked at Ventress Hall care home in Darlington, was found dead in a flat above The Greyhound pub on Parkgate after emergency crews were called on Wednesday, September 23.
Bell appeared in a grey top as he joined the hearing by video link from Holme House Prison.
Judge Laird said: "I will set your trial date as March 8, 2027. You will next be before the court on October 26 and on that occasion you will be required to submit a plea to the charge."
Bell, of Parkgate, Darlington, has not yet entered a plea.
He was remanded in custody until the trial.
Leanne, 44, was pronounced dead after emergency crews were called at about 9.15pm.
A 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail.
Floral tributes for Leanne, whom her family called the “best mam, nana, daughter and friend”, continue to grow outside.
One tribute reads: “Leanne you were taken too soon. You will be forever missed.”
While another reads: “RIP to my bestest friend. I will miss you forever.”
On Saturday, September 26, Leanne’s heartbroken family paid tribute to her.
They said in a statement: “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.”
Her colleagues at the Ventress Hall care home in Darlington previously said Leanne would "do anything for anybody".