A COUPLE have appeared in court after a “much-loved” grandad was shot dead in his own home.
Barry Dawson, 60, was blasted through a downstairs window in Stanley, County , on Saturday afternoon.
Kevin Dorward, 38, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' today charged with murder.
His partner Michaela Hetherington, 35, sobbed as she appeared in the dock accused of perverting the course of justice.
Her charge relates to an allegation that she falsely reported a car had been stolen.
The couple spoke only to confirm their names, dates of birth and addresses during the brief hearing.
They were remanded into custody to next appear at Durham Crown Court tomorrow.
The horror unfolded on April 5 as raced to the scene following reports of a disturbance.
Tragically, Barry could not be saved and was declared dead at the scene.
A post mortem revealed he died from a single gunshot wound, Durham Police confirmed.
A 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder and a man, 20, and woman, 49, held on suspicion of assisting an offender remain in custody.
Barry's paid tribute, saying: “Barry was a much-loved father, granddad and partner who will be greatly missed.
“We are truly devastated, and his loss will leave an enormous gap in our lives.”;
Police confirmed “several lines of enquiry are being pursued” following the horror.
Anyone with information can call the force on 101, or 999 in an emergency, quoting incident number 302 of April 5.
