A MOTORIST accused of killing a new grandfather in a horrific car crash appeared before a judge for the first time on Monday.

Ryan Gilling did not enter a plea to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving during the brief hearing held on a live video-link to Holme House Prison in Stockton.

The 26-year-old, of Manor House Estate, Hutton Henry, County Durham, will next appear at Teesside Crown Court on January 6.

Tony Stokoe, 50, from Wheatley Hill, died after the accident in nearby Shotton Colliery just before midday on November 5.

The father-of-three's silver SEAT Ibiza and a black BMW 320 were in collision on Salter's Lane, police said at the time.

His widow, 48-year-old Marie, paid tribute to her “fun-loving” husband in the aftermath of the tragedy.

In a statement released by Durham Constabulary, she added: “Tony was a loving husband, dad to Danielle, 25, Abbie, 17, and Adam, 23, grandad to seven-week-old Gracie-Mae, uncle, brother and son.

“Tony lived life to the full and as a keen biker he loved riding his motorcycles to favourite spots in Whitby and Scarborough, as well as listening to rock music while working on his bikes and cars in his garage.

“He was full of fun and a real practical joker who always had the last laugh.

“We had recently become grandparents for the first time and Tony loved spending time with Gracie-Mae and was excited about what the future might hold for her.”

An inquest into the death has been opened and adjourned by a coroner in Crook, County Durham, while police investigate the accident further.

Two other men, who were arrested at the time of the collision on suspicion of assisting an offender, are still on bail.

Judge Stephen Ashurst adjourned the case until the new year, for a hearing described as "a mention", although it is anticipated that Mr Gilling will plead not guilty, and there will be a trial.