Bus driver due to appear before Teeside Crown Court in January will plead not guilty to death of pensioner
Arriva driver Michael Gilbert, 52 has appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court charged with causing death by dangerous driving and seriously injuring another woman.
The incident on July 7 resulted in the injury of two pedestrians and the fatality of another. The vehicle careered off Northgate Road, Darlington resulting in the death of 82-year old Eileen Brennan. The vehicle then crashed into a pillar outside the front of Halifax Bank, causing extensive damage to the building.
After the crash, Mr. Gilbert was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was later released on police bail, pending further investigation. He was formally charged in November with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury.
The Northern Echo reported that Mr. Gilbert appeared in the dock at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court. He spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during a three-minute hearing.
Andrew Clinton, defending, indicated that Mr Gilbert will enter not guilty pleas to both charges.
He will appear at Teesside Crown Court on January 20 and has been granted unconditional bail ahead of his next court date.
