A man from Sussex appeared in court in Tyneside today accused of murdering student Sara Cameron nearly four years ago.

Michael Robinson, 29, of Bay Vue Road, Newhaven, spoke only to confirm his name.

He is charged with murdering Sara, a 23-year-old Northumbria University sports student, in April 2000. No plea was entered.

Sara's body was found near her home in Earsdon, North Tyneside, on the morning of Good Friday, April 21, 2000.

Scores of people were at North Tyneside Magistrates Court for this morning's five-minute hearing, including Sara's father Roy Cameron who sat in silence.

Robinson, originally from North Shields, is also charged with assaulting a woman on August 30 last year and failing to attend court on December 2.

Defence solicitor Jeff Smith did not apply for bail.

Robinson, who was unshaven and wearing a light beige suit and blue shirt, sat with his head bowed during the hearing.

Members of his family sat at the back of the court.

Magistrates remanded him in custody to appear at Newcastle Crown Court next Monday.