A man has appeared in court charged with helping his wife to commit suicide at a Yorkshire beauty spot.

The body of Linda Stephenson, 47, from Shipley, was found on the banks of the River Don near Conisbrough, between Doncaster and Rotherham, on June 21.

She is thought to have plunged from Conisbrough Viaduct, the former route of a railway line now popular with walkers.

Mrs Stephenson's husband, David Stephenson, of Mires Beck Close, Windhill, appeared briefly at Doncaster Magistrates' Court yesterday.

He spoke to confirm his name, age and address and was read the charge under the Suicide Act 1961 of aiding and abetting his wife's suicide.

The case of Mr Stephenson, who was charged on Sunday, was adjourned until Wednesday at Sheffield Crown Court.

The 49-year-old, represented by Doncaster solicitor Ged Hale, of G V Hale and Co, was released on unconditional bail until that date.

Mr Stephenson is understood to have been living in the Shipley area for only a short period.

It is thought the couple had long enjoyed the area close to where Mrs Stephenson's body was found and may once have lived nearby.

The popular Conisbrough Viaduct was built 100 years ago to carry the Dearne Valley Railway across the Don Gorge.

An inquest into the death of Mrs Stephenson was opened and adjourned by Doncaster coroner Stanley Hooper in June.

Mr Stephenson was among those giving evidence at the hearing.

Mr Hale said afterwards that any trial was unlikely to be heard until next year.

e-mail: jonathan.walton@bradford.newsquest.co.uk