A PENSIONER has pleaded not guilty to murdering her husband.

Janet Dunn (72) is charged with killing 81-year-old Anthony Dunn at a property in Darras Hall, Ponteland on March 15.

Northumbria Police said officers received a report of concern for the welfare of a man at an address in the Northumberland village at about 5.25pm.

Emergency services attended and found Mr Dunn dead.

Dunn, of Beech Court, Ponteland, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court via video-link from prison on Tuesday.

She spoke to confirm her name and to enter a plea of not guilty to the charge of murder.

The Recorder of Newcastle, Judge Paul Sloan QC, remanded Dunn in custody until her trial at the same court in September.

At the time of Mr Dunn's death in March, Detective Chief Inspector Martin Brooks, of Northumbria Police, said: "This is an awful case that has sadly resulted in Anthony's death.

"Our thoughts are with his family as they attempt to come to terms with what has happened.

"We are committed to finding out exactly what happened in the moments before Anthony's death and a team of detectives have been carrying out a range of inquiries in the area over the last few days."