A VAN driver is facing a prison sentence for a crash which killed one passenger and badly injured another.

Peter Hammond, 49, died in the collision on the A68 at Heighington, near Darlington, on May 24 last year.

A van driven by Duanne McLoughlin hit a lorry near the junction of Brownside Lane and Houghton Bank.

A second passenger - McLoughlin's 42-year-old father, Stephen - suffered serious multiple injuries in the crash.

He was airlifted to hospital from the scene, while McLoughlin was treated for neck and back injuries.

McLoughlin, of Selbourne Terrace, Darlington, appeared at Teesside Crown Court today (Monday, February 3) to face a series of charges.

He admitted causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and causing death while uninsured.

His case was adjourned so a probation worker can prepare a pre-sentence report, and he will return to court next month.

Judge Tony Briggs granted him bail until his next appearance, but told McLoughlin, formerly of Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham: "Clearly, these are serious offences.

"I'm sure you have already been told that the bail is no indication of what happens to you when you are sentenced.

"All sentencing options - including custody - remain open to the judge who will deal with you on March 7."

Mr Hammond, from Bolam, between Darlington and West Auckland, was described in tributes as "big-hearted".

The grandfather-of-two worked as a business development manager for a vehicle hire company and loved fishing.

His son, James, 29, said he also adored spending time with his twin grandsons, James and Harry.

Parents Barbara and George Henry Hammond, from Darlington, added: "He was a good lad and we loved him very much, he will be sadly missed by everybody."

The driver of the Volvo truck, from Darlington, was fined for speeding, but it was said he was in no way it blame for the accident.