A MAN accused of murdering a woman in Darlington on Sunday cried during his first court appearance this morning.

Sam Joseph Pybus, 31, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court this morning charged with one count of murder.

Sophie Moss, 33, was found unresponsive by police at an address in Glaisdale Court, Darlington, in the early hours of Sunday, February 7.

She was taken to hospital but was sadly pronounced dead.

Mr Pybus, of Water View, Middleton St. George, Darlington, cried in the dock as the charge of murder was put to him.

He entered no pleas and no bail application was made on his behalf.

Mr Pybus was remanded into police custody and he will appear at Teesside Crown Court tomorrow, Friday, February 12.