A man is to stand trial accused of dangerous driving arising from a collision involving a BMW vehicle said to have struck electricity wires following a short police pursuit.

Appearing at a Durham Crown Court plea hearing, on Thursday (February 1), Nathan Williams denied a charge of dangerous driving.

The 26-year-old defendant is alleged to have been at the wheel of the BMW X3 which collided with high voltage wires in South Moor Road, Stanley, at about 1.40am on Tuesday April 4, last year.

The Northern Echo: Newton Aycliffe man to stand trial at Durham Crown Court accused of making knife threats to his

Following his not guilty plea, Williams’ counsel, Chris Knox, told the court the defence team in the case is attempting to seek DNA testing of the car’s air bag.

See more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here

Easington man jailed for two dangerous driving offences in Peterlee

Banned driver was stopped after lengthy police chase in County Durham

Consett drink driver rammed past police car then drove off

Last Chance for New Year's News Offer: Choose 50% off for an annual subscription or 3 months for just £3 with The Northern Echo. Offer ends today! #ResolutionSuccess #FinalOffer. For further details, click here

A timetable was agreed between the prosecution and defence teams for the submission of evidence in the case, prior to a trial, which was set down to start at the court on Monday August 5.

But a further case management hearing will take place ahead of the trial, on Monday July 8.

Adjourning the case, Judge Jo Kidd agreed to extend bail on the defendant, of Clifford Terrace, Chester-le-Street, until the trial date.