TWO men appeared in court this morning in connection with the death of a pensioner.

John Truscott, 85, died ten days after he was hit by an off-road motorbike in Eston, near Middlesbrough, in April last year.

Lee Wilkinson, 34, is charged with causing death by dangerous driving, but was not asked to enter a plea today.

David Pears, 20, of Birchington Avenue, Grangetown, pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving.

The pair appeared at Teesside Crown Court - in front of a packed public gallery - for a brief hearing, attended by nine members of Mr Truscott's family.

Mr Wilkinson, of Sleights Crescent, Middlesbrough, will return to court on May 18 when he is likely to be asked to enter a plea.

The men were given conditional bail by Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, in the meantime.

Pedestrian Mr Truscott was taken to James Cook University Hospital after the crash, which happened in Meadowgate, Eston, at about 1.45pm on Sunday April 2.

After his death, his family said: “Our family and friends ask for people to reflect on their happy memories and times with John."