A man has appeared in court accused of killing a pensioner by careless driving on a main road in Northumberland.
Malcolm Harrison was behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Transporter van when he allegedly collided with Thomas Gill’s Volkswagen Golf.
Prosecutors said the accident happened on the A696, north of Ponteland and near Belsay, in Northumberland, on December 2 2016.
Emergency services, including police, firefighters and paramedics, attended the scene but Mr Gill, 84, from Newcastle, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Now, Harrison, of West Thorn, Kirkley, Northumberland, has appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court accused of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.
The 62-year-old spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address and to enter a not guilty plea to the charge.
James Long, prosecuting, said: “The prosecution say this is not suitable for the court and it should be allocated to the crown court.
“My friend doesn’t seek to persuade you otherwise, so it’s a joint application between the Crown and defence to allocate this to the crown court.”
Magistrates declined jurisdiction and Harrison was released on unconditional bail to next appear before Newcastle Crown Court on January 19.