A 34-year-old man today charged with killing a six-year-old girl by dangerous driving was remanded in custody when he appeared in court today.
Colin Meek, of Salvin Street, Spennymoor, County Durham, is charged with causing the death of Leonie Shaw by dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident, failing to report an accident, driving without insurance, and driving without a licence.
Meek spoke only to confirm his name when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court today, and the case was adjourned for a plea and directions hearing on June 14.
Leonie Shaw was injured as she tried to cross the A688 bypass near her home in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, on Saturday April 13.
She died the next day in Bishop Auckland General Hospital, with her mother Michelle by her bedside.
Emma Jayne Lee, 21, was originally jointly accused with Meek of cruelty to a child, but this charge was later dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Lee now stands charged with aiding and abetting failure to stop after an accident. She is currently on bail and her case will be dealt with at a magistrates' court.
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