Darlington man appears in court over care worker death
A Darlington man has appeared in court charged with murdering a care worker.
A Darlington man has appeared in court charged with murdering a care worker.
Andrew Bell, 44, from Darlington, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court charged with the murder of Leanne Park.
Police were called to an address in Parkgate, Darlington, at around 9.15pm on Wednesday, where they found her body.
Bell, in a grey tracksuit, appeared before District Judge Steven Wood who remanded him in custody.
He will next appear at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday.
A plea hearing will be held on October 26.
Ms Park, 44, was a grandmother and mother, and her family paid tribute, saying: “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.”
She worked at Ventress Hall Care Home and after her death, the business shared a social media post which said: “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.”
A 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail.
Durham Constabulary said its investigations continued.