TEENAGER REMANDED OVER STAB DEATH

The victim, Mark James Smith, of St John's Walk, Newcastle upon Tyne, was stabbed in the neck in the city's West End shortly after 11pm on Wednesday.

The defendant, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was remanded into secure accommodation until Tuesday by Newcastle magistrates.

The teenager, who wore his white and blue checked shirt untucked, was flanked by two security officers in the court's glass dock during the 20-minute hearing.

Two police officers stood guard by the entrance to the court.

The dead boy, who was 16, had been issued with an Asbo last year.

He had just secured a full-time job as a mechanic.

Northumbria Police said a 20-year-old man was also arrested on Friday night on suspicion of the murder.