Man to stand trial for murder of Darlington care worker

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 12:01 · Archive

Andrew Bell denies murdering Leanne Park, a care worker found dead in Darlington in September.

Andrew Bell, 44, has denied murdering Leanne Park, 44, who worked at Ventress Hall care home in Darlington. Park was found dead in a flat above The Greyhound pub on Parkgate after emergency crews were called on 23 September at about 9.15pm. Bell, of Parkgate in Darlington according to the Northern Echo, or The Bar in Richmond, North Yorkshire according to TeessideLive, appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Monday facing a murder charge dated between 21 and 29 September.

Judge Francis Laird KC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, remanded Bell in custody for trial on 8 March 2027. The judge said the case would be tried by a High Court judge yet to be determined, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for 29 January. A 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail.

Park's family described her as 'the best mam, nana, daughter and friend', saying she was 'kind-hearted' and 'loved by everyone'. Colleagues at Ventress Hall care home paid tribute, saying she 'would do anything for anybody, especially our residents'.

How it is being reported

• Man denies murdering Darlington care workerAndrew Bell, 44, has been remanded into custody ahead of a trial in March 2027.BBC Tees · 26 Oct, 12:16
• Murder accused denies killing Darlington care worker Leanne ParkAndrew Bell appeared at Teesside Crown Court facing a charge of murder, dating between September 21 and 29TeessideLive · 26 Oct, 11:33
• Man to stand trial after denying murder of ‘kind-hearted’ Darlington mumAndrew Bell denies murdering Darlington mum Leanne Park, found dead on September 23. He is remanded in custody for trial on March 8, 2027.The Northern Echo · 26 Oct, 09:52

In this story: Andrew Bell · Leanne Park · Darlington · Teesside Crown Court · Ventress Hall care home · The Greyhound pub

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem