Ex-PC bailiff murder accused appears at court

A man accused of murdering a former police officer-turned court bailiff has made his first crown court appearance.

Jeff Blair, 55, was seriously injured on a job in Shildon, County Durham, on 10 March, and died later in hospital.

Robert Davies, 49, of Dent Street, Shildon, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and that he could hear the judge when he appeared via video link at Teesside Crown Court, sitting at Teesside Magistrates' Court.

He was remanded to next appear at Leeds Crown Court on 13 April.

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

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