A TEENAGER accused of murdering his older brother made his first appearance before a judge today.

William West, 20, was found stabbed at his home in Hartlepool in the early hours of last Monday, November 21.

His brother Daniel Christopher West was charged with murder the following day and appeared before magistrates.

This morning, he made a 20-minute appearance at Teesside Crown Court for a preliminary hearing in front of Judge Peter Fox, QC.

A potential trial date has been set for April, but the 18-year-old will return to court on January 8 for the next stage of proceedings.

Mr West, dressed in a black Umbro tracksuit and white t-shirt, spoke only to confirm his name during the hearing. He did not enter a plea.

His solicitor, John Ellwood, did not make a bail application, and the teenager was remanded in custody.

Mr Ellwood said moves were being made by him and Mr West's mother to find an address out of the area before bail was sought.

As he was led away, the teenager exchanged waves with family and friends who had packed into the public gallery.

The brothers are thought to have lived with their mother at the house in Helmsley Street where William West was found dead nine days ago.

The court heard yesterday that delays in the case could be caused by the preparation of pathology and toxicology reports.

Prosecutor Patricia Mancina told Judge Fox: "This is a tragic case in which the defendant is alleged to have murdered his brother, some two years older than him, by stabbing him.

"Sure it is that the brother received a fatal stab wound to the heart. The issue in the case, it appears at this stage, is one of self-defence."