Facebook killing accused in court

Ashleigh's mother described her as caring and well-liked

A man accused of the kidnap and manslaughter of a Darlington teenager he allegedly met on Facebook has appeared before a judge.

The body of Ashleigh Hall, a 17-year-old student, was found near Sedgefield, County Durham on 26 October.

Peter Chapman made no plea when he appeared via video link at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday.

There was no application for bail for the 32-year-old of no fixed address. The next hearing was set for 4 January.

Ashleigh, of Warwick Square, Darlington, was found dead in a farmer's field close to the Little Chef roundabout, off the A689 and A177 roads, near Sedgefield.

Results of a post-mortem examination, held to establish the cause of death, were inconclusive and further tests are being carried out.

In a tribute released through Durham Constabulary, Ashleigh's mother Andrea said: "No-one can imagine the hurt and devastation that has hit our family.

"Ashleigh was loving, honest, caring and well-liked.

"Everybody loved her. She was a person who brought light into the lives of others."