Man, 32, appears in court charged with murdering Sunderland father Andrew Mather

Wayne Miller has been charged with murder on June 2 following the death of Andrew John Mather, of Aintree Road, Sunderland.

Appearing via video link at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, Miller, 32, of Dene Street, Sunderland, spoke only to confirm his name, age address and nationality.

Mr Mather was pronounced dead at his home by paramedics and police were called on June 3.

Miller, who was represented by Gerald Armstrong, did not enter a plea and had been remanded in custody to appear at crown court later this week.

Yesterday (Sunday, June 7), Northumbria Police confirmed a 45-year old man and two women, aged 38 and 18, who were also arrested on suspicion of murder have been released under investigation.

A 50-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released under investigation pending further inquiries.

A large police cordon was in place around Mr Mather’s home in Aintree Road for a number of days as an investigation into his death was carried out.

Detectives, who were initially treating the death as unexplained, launched a murder inquiry on Thursday, June 4.

Neighbours share their shock and sympathies following the murder and described Mr Mather as as hard-working and a ‘lovely lad’.

District Judge Kate Meek told Miller he would be remanded in custody and appear before Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday, June 10.

Anyone with information is still asked to contact 101 quoting reference 389 03/06/20.

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