Daryl Fowler stabbing: Murder accused Lee Wall makes his first court appearance

The 43-year-old is charged with murdering 28-year-old Daryl on Gateshead's Leam Lane estate, while Emma Brown is accused of assisting an offender

A man and woman have appeared in court in connection with the death of Daryl Fowler.

The 28-year-old died in hospital after an stabbing on Gateshead's Leam Lane estate on Friday night.

Lee Wall has been charged with his murder.

He made his first appearance in court today along with Emma Brown, who is accused of assisting an offender.

Mr Wall, who is 43 and of no fixed abode, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during a brief hearing at South Tyneside Magistrates Court.

Paul Donoghue, defending, told the court his defendant was aware he would not be able to apply for bail.

He said: "As you all know the law prohibits applications for bail in respect of these proceedings. Mr Wall knows he will be sent to the crown court in custody."

And Deputy District Judge Natalie Wortley told him he would be brought before a judge at Newcastle Crown Court tomorrow.

She said: "As you know, this is a case that is to be sent straight to the crown court. You are remanded in custody and will appear in the crown court tomorrow."

Ms Brown, of Chevington, Leam Lane, was brought into the dock separately.

An application for bail made by Mr Dongahue was denied by the judge, and the 39-year-old mum was told she would also be remanded in custody.

DDJ Wortley told her: "As you know this case is so serious that it has to be sent to the crown court in Newcastle. You will appear there tomorrow. You will be remanded in custody."

Today a number of bouquets, cards and a blue balloon mark the spot where the Daryl was found injured, on Chevington.

And his family told of their heartache in a statement released after his death.

They said: “We are totally devastated at our loss of Daryl. He is going to be such a big miss. “Our hearts are breaking right now."

Det Insp Graeme Dodds, of Northumbria Police’s homicide and major inquiry team, said inquiries into the incident continue.

He said: “It is tragic that someone has lost their life and our officers will continue to offer Daryl’s family all the support they need."