The pair, formerly of The Cliff, in Seaton Carew, faced six joint charges of obtaining nearly £250,000 by deception.

John Darwin also faced a seventh charge of making an untrue statement to procure a passport.

The brief hearings saw John Darwin appear first, wearing a light blue shirt and jeans.

The 57-year-old looked emotionless and only spoke to confirm his name.

Afterwards Anne Darwin, 55, who spoke from Low Newton Prison, in Durham, appeared wearing a grey sweatshirt and also confirmed her name.

Sharon Campbell, prosecuting, made applications to remand both in custody until Friday, February 15, when they will appear by video link once again.

It is expected then that the case will be committed to Teesside Crown Court.

No applications for bail were made by either defence lawyer.

John Darwin was declared dead just over a year after he disappeared in an apparent canoeing tragedy in March 2002.

He was arrested not long after suddenly turning up at a London police station at the start of December.

Further details about this case will appear in the Mail tomorrow.