The message came from Anne Darwin's solicitor, who spoke briefly after Darwin's first appearance at Hartlepool Magistrates Court yesterday.

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A sombre-looking Darwin appeared in front of a packed public gallery where she was flanked by a female security guard.

Wearing a cream coloured zip-up cardigan, the 55-year-old spoke only to confirm her name during the five-minute hearing.

Speaking after the hearing, Darwin's solicitor, Nicola Finnerty, said: "She is tired, quite emotional, but she's OK."

Ms Finnerty went on to say: "My client hopes that her family are well and she's very sorry for any stress that she may have caused them.
"She doesn't want to say any more than that."

She also admitted that Darwin has been quite tearful during interviews and added: "It's been a long process as you can imagine."

The solicitor would not comment on whether Anne has been reunited with her husband, John, though she did confirm: "If her sons want to see her, she would like to

see them." Magistrates heard a very brief outline of the case before declining jurisdiction and sending the case to crown court. No indication was given as to what her plea will eventually be.

Chairman of the bench Stephen Hall told the court the case should be directed to Teesside Crown Court.

Anne Darwin is charged with two counts of obtaining money by deception – alleged to have taken place on May 16, 2003, and May 29, 2003.

The first charge relates to a sum of £25,000 while the second charge is in relation to a sum of £137,000.

Philip Morley, prosecuting, made an application to remand Darwin into custody, which was not challenged by Ms Finnerty.

Darwin has enlisted the expertise of Ms Finnerty, who works for London company Corker Binning, which specialises in fraud.

The case was adjourned until Friday, when Darwin will re-appear before town magistrates via video link.

Ms Finnerty ruled out a bail application for Friday's appearance but confirmed that one would possibly be made in the future.