Man appears in court over ex-PC bailiff murder

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a court bailiff who was allegedly attacked while at work.

Former police officer Jeff Blair, 55, was seriously injured in Shildon, County Durham, on Tuesday, and died later in hospital.

Robert Davies, 49, of Dent Street, Shildon, did not enter any pleas when he appeared at Peterlee Magistrates' Court charged with murder, possession of an offensive weapon and affray.

He was remanded to next appear at Teesside Crown Court on 16 March.

Durham Police said officers were called to reports a man had been assaulted at about 13:00 GMT.

Prior to becoming a bailiff, Mr Blair worked as an officer for Durham Police for 22 years before retiring from the force in 2017.

Follow BBC Tees on X,Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.