A TEENAGER appeared at Bishop Auckland Youth Court yesterday accused of causing the death by dangerous driving of a schoolboy earlier this year.

The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, is charged with causing the death of Liam Amos on the A68 in the early hours of May 23.

He is also accused of driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, without insurance and two charges of theft.

Jacqueline Gibson, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said that the youth had crashed into a stationary military vehicle which was parked on a grass verge near Fir Tree, near Bishop Auckland, after being involved in a police pursuit. She also asked for the case to be transferred to crown court.

She said that police following the J-registration Ford Sierra estimated it had been travelling at more than 90mph.

She said there was persistent bad driving and the driver should have stopped when police switched on lights and sirens.

Alan Green, defending, said the speed at the time of impact was disputed and the case could be dealt with by a youth court.

Magistrates ordered the case to be heard at crown court.

It was adjourned until January 8 at Bishop Auckland Youth Court when a trial date will be set.