A MAN has appeared in court charged in connection with a fatal crash following a police chase that led to the death of a businessman and father-of-two.

Adam McLoughlin, 32, appeared before Consett Magistrates Court today (Thursday, September 18) in relation to the death of Adam Wilkinson on Ebchester Bank, near Consett, County Durham, just after midnight on June 24.

Mr Wilkinson, 49, had been a passenger in a VW Bora when the car hit a telegraph pole following a short police pursuit.

Mr McLoughlin has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Alison Howie, prosecuting, said: “The Crown says due to the nature of the allegations this is not suitable for summary trial and you should send him to the crown court.”

No pleas have been entered at this stage in proceedings.

Paul Donoghue, who represented Mr McLoughlin in court, said: “The main offence is indictable only and the drink driving charge should be linked in with it.”

Mr Wilkinson, the former managing director of car transporting firm AWP Transport in Consett, died at the scene of the crash as a result of his injuries.

Mr McLoughlin, of Ritsons Road, Blackhill, Consett, was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle with a broken hand and ribs as well as severe bruising. He was arrested as part of the subsequent inquiry.

He wore a grey suit for the five minute hearing and has been granted conditional bail ahead of his next appearance.

Ann Turnbull, chairman of the magistrates’ bench, said: “We can not deal with this at this court.

“You will be sent to the crown court sitting at Durham on October 2. Both offences will be going there because they were allegedly committed on the same day.”