Two men today (Wednesday April 19) denied a charge of manslaughter following the death of a delivery driver in an incident in a residential street, on a Sunday morning, last month.

Police and paramedics were called to Handley Street, in Horden, at about 11.30am on March 19, but, despite their efforts, the driver, James Andrew Coyles, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 54-year-old father-of-three worked for the DPD delivery company.

Two men arrested during the subsequent police investigation, Gary Peter Hepworth and Joseph Henry Niles, appeared at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court today, both via video link from the city’s nearby prison.

Read more: Horden incident: Tragedy as police confirm a man has died

They each pleaded not guilty to the charge of manslaughter of Mr Coyles, on March 19.

Both also denied a second count over the theft of a mobile phone belonging to Mr Coyles, on the same date.

A third charge of assaulting an emergency worker, a police officer, was put to Hepworth alone, to which he also pleaded not guilty.

Arrangements were then made for the case timetable and trial, which was fixed to start at the court on Wednesday September 6, with a three-day estimated duration.

It was agreed the prosecution evidence must be served by May 11, with detailed defence statements to be submitted on behalf of the defendants, by June 8.

Read more: Tribute to DPD delivery driver Andrew Coyles who died in Horden

Addressing both accused men, Judge James Adkin told them: “You have both pleaded not guilty to the charges you face.

“The next stage is for a jury trial starting on September 6.

“Between then and now your legal teams will want to speak to you.

“It’s critical to this case that the defence statements are served.

“The trial date is September 6 and if you fail to leave your cells on that day it may go ahead in your absence.”

Judge Adkin remanded both 43-year-old Hepworth, of Greenside Avenue, Peterlee, and Niles, 41, said to be of no fixed abode, to remain in custody until the trial.

Read next:

* Horden incident: Two charged with manslaughter over DPD driver's death

* Horden incident: Tragedy as police confirm a man has died

* First pictures from scene of incident in Horden, County Durham

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In a tribute released via Durham Police following Mr Coyles’ death, his children, Katie, Rebecca and James, said: “There will never be the words to describe the way we feel.

“Nothing ever prepares you for this hurt and pain.

“Our hearts are broken. We love you so very much and will continue to make you proud each and every day the way you always told us.

“It’s only see you later, dad. It’s not goodbye.”