A MAN has appeared in court accused of the murder of a father-of-three and an assault on the victim's partner after an incident on a bus.
Gary Robson, of Galloway Road, Peterlee, faces a charge of murdering Stanley Dixon and assault by beating on Anne Fisher.
The 23-year-old spoke only to confirm his name and address during a hearing at Peterlee Magistrates' Court this morning.
For full story click hereNo application for bail was made and he was remanded in custody.
The case was adjourned until Wednesday, July 9, when he will appear before Newcastle Crown Court.
Magistrates heard Mr Dixon, 60, and Ms Fisher, 41, of Eden Vale Estate, Horden, had been travelling on a bus at 10.15pm on Saturday when a disturbance broke out.
The court heard that Mr Dixon had asked one of two men sitting at the back of the bus to stop swearing.
Lynsey Armstrong, prosecuting, said it was alleged that during the disagreement, Ms Fisher was punched and Mr Dixon pushed as they prepared to get off the bus.
Mr Dixon was seen on the ground unconscious and the emergency services were called.
Police said the incident, which happened near to Beech Terrace at the top of Horden Bank, left the father-of-three with serious head injuries.
Mr Dixon died in Newcastle General Hospital yesterday at 3.15pm.
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