Hartlepool man remanded on foster mother murder charge
A man has appeared in court to deny murdering a former foster carer who looked after dozens of children.
Widow, mother and grandmother Norma Bell, 79, was found dead at her home in Westbourne Road, Hartlepool, following a fire in April.
Gareth Dack, 32, of Windermere Road, Hartlepool, appeared at Teesside Crown Court to deny murder and a separate charge of arson being reckless as to endangering life.
He was remanded in custody ahead of a trial starting on August 22.
Mrs Bell had fostered more than 50 children.