Driver in court accused of causing death of Seaham forces' veteran, 70

John Slater made his first court appearance in the case today (Monday November 24), for allegedly causing the death of Paul Knox while driving a BMW 3 series car in Seaham, following a collision on Westlea Road, on January 14, this year.

Mr Knox was taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary where he died from his injuries on February 12.

The 36-year-old defendant, of The Avenue, Seaham, appeared before magistrates in Peterlee, also accused of failing to comply with a police request to disclose his phone PIN number, between January 14, the date of the collision, and March 18.

John Slater, pictured leaving Peterlee Magistrates' Court, where he appeared accused of causing the death of an ex-serviceman by dangerous driving (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Neither charge was put to him as the death by dangerous charge is 'indictable only' and can only be dealt with by the crown court.

The magistrates, therefore, committed the case to Durham Crown Court, where it is to be listed for a plea hearing on Monday December 22, the defendant's 37th birthday.

Ex-Coldstream Guardsman Paul Knox died in hospital from injuries suffered in road collision in Seaham four weeks later (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Read next ... a selection of crime stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here

• Tributes to Paul Knox, 70, after fatal Seaham crash
• Pedestrian seriously injured following Seaham crash
• Seaham driver spared jail due to 'progress' since offence

Meanwhile, the magistrates granted him continued bail to appear next at that hearing.

Mr Knox, who had celebrated his 70th birthday not long before the day of the collision, was a decorated former Coldstream Guardsman.

Following his death, among family tributes, he was described as "a loved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many".