A MAN at the wheel of a car which crashed, seriously injuring both himself and his girlfriend, is said to have no memory of the incident.

William Edward Bentham was driving a Ford Fiesta which left the A691 Framwelgate Peth, approaching Durham city centre, before crashing into a road sign, on October 15, last year.

Durham Crown Court heard that both he and his front seat passenger were badly injured in the accident, at about 9pm.

But, following subsequent police inquiries, 33-year-old Mr Bentham, of Sherburn Road, Gilesgate, Durham, was charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

No pleas were taken when the case first came to the crown court, in August, but a provisional trial date was agreed, for January 25, next year.

The case came back into the list at the court today, as no defence statement has been supplied, with the trial date looming.

Liam O’Brien, mitigating, said: “Neither the complainant or the defendant had any recollection of the crash.

“The defendant was in a coma for at least three weeks after the incident.”

His girlfriend was said to have suffered multiple injuries, including several fractures.

Judge Christopher Prince adjourned the hearing until Friday December 9, when pleas will be taken.