A 24-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in court in connection with the death of an ex-serviceman who was killed will riding his motorbike.

Shaun (Dave) Neal, 46, died after his bike was in a crash with a BMW in County Durham in September last year.

Wayne Richard Gascoigne, of Front Street, Wolsingham, County Durham, is charged with causing death by dangerous driving following the crash on the A68 between Consett and Tow Law.

He was supported by members of his family during a short hearing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court where he indicated no plea to the matter.

The defendant was told the case will be heard at Durham Crown Court on May 24 and the defendant spoke only to confirm his name, age and address during the two-minute hearing.

Mr Neal, from Jarrow, was described as a “gentle giant” by his widow after the fatal crash on Saturday, September 2.

He had served 24 years in the Army with the First Battalion Yorkshire Regiment.

Mr Neal had been riding his Honda CBR motorcycle on the northbound side of the A68 when he was involved in the crash with a BMW 330 travelling in the opposite direction at around 1.40pm.

Mr Gascoigne, the driver of the BMW, was arrested at the scene and the road was closed for six hours while collision investigation work was carried out.