A Cumbrian mother accused of plotting to kill her own son has made an appearance before a judge.

Alison Mary Murphy, 52, is charged with conspiring to murder Anthony Murphy. Another son, 22-year-old Gary Lee Murphy, faces an allegation of attempted murder as part of the same investigation.

The charges relate to an incident on April 15 this year.

Both Alison Murphy and Gary Murphy attended Carlisle Crown Court today.

A number of submissions were made by lawyers during a brief hearing in front of Judge Peter Davies.

Neither Alison Murphy nor Gary Murphy have yet entered pleas. They face trial at the court on October 31.

In the meantime Gary Murphy, of Hinnings Road, Distington, was remanded in custody by Judge Davies.

Alison Murphy, previously of Copeland Avenue, Whitehaven, was granted bail earlier this year. A condition is that she resides at an address elsewhere in the north west which is outside of Cumbria.