Surgeon in court over man's death

Mr Stephen worked at Darlington Memorial Hospital

A senior surgeon at a County Durham hospital has appeared in court charged with the manslaughter of a patient who had attempted suicide.

John Gordon Stephen, 62, of The Willows, Bishop Auckland, is accused of killing Alan Dunn at Darlington's Memorial Hospital on 10 December.

Mr Dunn, a health service porter, was taken to hospital after stabbing himself in the chest.

Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court adjourned the case until 14 September.

Mr Stephen spoke only to confirm his name and address and that he understood the charge. He was not asked to enter a plea.

He was granted unconditional bail to appear at Teesside Crown Court.

Mr Dunn, 60, of Barrington Terrace, Ferryhill, died shortly after arriving at the hospital, where Mr Stephen was the on-call consultant.