Wallsend murder accused George Ness appears at Newcastle Crown Court over death of John Smyth
George Ness, of North Shields, who is accused of murdering John Smyth, could stand trial in February
by Rob Kennedy · ChronicleLiveMurder accused George Ness has made his first appearance at Newcastle Crown Court.
Ness is alleged to have killed 63-year-old John Smyth in Wallsend last weekend. Ness appeared on a video-link from prison for the brief hearing.
Charges of murder, threatening with a knife and possessing a knife were not put to him. A provisional trial date was set for February 18 next year and Ness will be back in court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on October 22.
Mr Smyth, who was born in Glasgow but had recently moved to Tyneside from Derby, was pronounced dead in hospital after emergency services were called to Holly Avenue, in Wallsend, on Sunday morning.
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There was no application for bail and Ness, 41, of Avon Avenue in North Shields, was further remanded in custody.
Det Chief Insp Matt Steel, who is leading the investigation for Northumbria Police, said previously: “Our thoughts remain firmly with John’s family and loved ones following their incredibly tragic loss.
“We continue to offer any support they need, and ask that their privacy is respected as they attempt to process the events of the last 36 hours.”
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