A MOTORIST accused of causing the death of an elderly pedestrian by careless driving is seeking to have the charge dismissed.

James Terrance Hewitt was involved in a collision with a Ford Fiesta as he crossed Newcastle Road, in Chester-le-Street, near a mini roundabout, shortly after 8.30am on Tuesday, December 3, last year.

The 91-year-old, who lived in the town, suffered serious head injuries and was taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he died a few days later.

Following a police investigation into the circumstances of the accident, the Fiesta driver, Ashley Allon, was charged with causing Mr Hewitt’s death by careless driving.

Mr Allon appeared for a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court, on Friday, when his barrister, Tony Davis asked for the charge not to be put to his client.

He said following examination of the Crown’s collision report it appeared to suggest the driver, who was negotiating the mini-roundabout, may not have been “afforded a view” of Mr Hewitt just before the point of impact, as he may have stumbled onto the road.

Mr Davis said this appeared to have been backed up by witnesses at the scene.

He is to apply for the charge to be dismissed at a hearing on January 19.

The 35-year-old defendant, of Park View, South Pelaw, Chester-le-Street, was bailed to return for that hearing.

Should the application fail a provisional trail date was set for May 24.