A motorist has appeared in court charged with causing the death of a Middlesbrough taxi driver in a fatal collision.

Malik Ameer Abbas died as a result of the injuries he suffered in the impact when a white Mercedes hit the Volkswagen Passat he was travelling in while working as a taxi driver last year.

The Northern Echo: Malik Ameer AbbasMalik Ameer Abbas

James Hobson made his first appearance at Teesside Magistrates' Court today (Thursday, January 5) after the 27-year-old died following a crash on the A172 on March 29.

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The 33-year-old made a brief appearance in court before the case was transferred to Teesside Crown Court for another hearing next month.

No pleas were entered to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

Hobson, of Washington Grove, Norton, Stockton, was released on unconditional bail until his next court appearance on February 2.

The fatal collision happened near the junction of Captain Cook's Crescent and Grange Crescent in Marton, Middlesbrough at around 11.40pm.