A BUS driver charged with causing the death of a pensioner who was killed in Darlington town centre has appeared in court.

Michael Gilbert, of New Row, Middleton St George, near Darlington, is charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The incident on July 7 involved an Arriva service bus that struck a number of people in Northgate, Darlington, before crashing into the front of the Halifax bank.

Grandmother and great-grandmother, Eileen Brennan, 82, died following the crash, and two other pedestrians were injured – one of them seriously.

Mr Gilbert, 52, appeared in the dock at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court this afternoon where 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.