Woman in court over murder of 'missing man' James Prout

James Prout had not been seen since early February

A woman has appeared in court charged with murdering a North Tyneside man who disappeared more than a month ago.

The body of James Prout, 43, was found near his home on Sunday. He had not been seen since early February but was only reported missing on Good Friday.

Anne Corbett, 25, of Percy Main, also charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, appeared before North Tyneside Magistrates' Court.

She was remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on 31 March.

Three other people, also charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, were remanded in custody.

Myra Wood, 49, and Kay Rayworth, 55, from Percy Main, are due to appear before Newcastle Crown Court on 31 March.

Zahid Zaman, 42, also from Percy main, will appear at Teesside Crown Court on 26 April.

Officers found the body on an "area of open land" a short distance from Mr Prout's home in St Stephen's Way in Percy Main on Easter Sunday afternoon.

Police said the body had not been formally identified, but they said they were "fairly certain" it was Mr Prout's.

A 26-year-old man from Ashington who was also arrested has been released on bail pending further inquiries.