TEENAGER ACCUSED OF MURDER
A teenager has appeared in court charged with the murder of Sunderland shop worker Joan Hoggett.
Ethan Mountain, 19, appeared before magistrates sitting at Newcastle Crown Court charged with killing the 62-yearold, who died at the One Stop shop where she worked in Sea Road, Fulwell.
A teenager has appeared in court charged with the murder of Sunderland shop worker Joan Hoggett.
Ethan Mountain, 19, appeared before magistrates sitting at Newcastle Crown Court charged with killing the 62-year-old, who died after suffering injuries consistent with a stabbing last Wednesday night, at the One Stop shop where she worked in Sea Road, Fulwell.
Mountain, wearing a grey jumper when he appeared in the dock on Saturday, spoke only to confirm his name, age, address and nationality during the short hearing.
Prosecutor Jonathan Moore said: “The charge is one of murder and the defendant can’t make a bail application today.”
Mountain, of Heaton Gardens in South Shields, was remanded in custody by the magistrates.
He will appear at Newcastle Crown Court tomorrow morning for a bail application. Magistrates have also listed a hearing in the case at the same court on October 5.
Floral tributes have been left to popular Joan outside the One Stop shop following her death. Kind messages have also been posted on the Echo’s Facebook page to her.
Elaine Davies posted: “Have lived in Fulwell for 20 years and as long as I lived here went in the One Stop. Joan was always pleasant and helpful RIP xxx”
Sandra Harrison said: “RIP Joan.
“I only knew her from popping into the shop occasionally, but she was such a polite and friendly lady.
“Saw her outside the shop just a few hours before this horrible thing happened.
“My heart goes out to her family, friends and colleagues.”
Nathan Marcus Askew wrote: “Such a sad day for Joan’s family and the community of Fulwell, we have lost a lovely lady.”
Sharon Brooke posted: “So very sad, a nice quiet lady who kept herself to herself, thoughts are with her family at this terrible tragic time.”
The One Stop shop has been cordoned off by police since the killing, while Roker Park and Cornthwaite Park in Whitburn were also cordoned off as part of the investigation.
Superintendent Paul Milner, of Northumbria Police, thanked the community for their support.
“I would like to thank members of the public, especially residents and business owners in the area, for their co-operation and patience over the last 24 hours,” he said on Friday.
“Anyone with any concerns is encouraged to speak to a nearby officer.”
“The defendant can’t make a bail application today” JONATHAN MOORE