A man has today (Tuesday May 2) denied charges arising from an alleged hit-an-run incident outside a pub in which one of two casualties died at the scene.

Toby Kelly, 37, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Sheldon Flanighan and the attempted murder of a second man, in the incident outside the Bay Horse Inn, at Cramlington, Northumberland, on Saturday April 1.

But the charges were not put to two co-accused, David Fairclough, 32, and 28-year-old Shannon Wooden, at today’s plea hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.

It is expected that they are to attempt to have the same charges against themselves dismissed.

The Northern Echo:

Read more: Trio accused of murder of Sheldon Flanighan outside Cramlington pub

All arise from an incident in the car park of The Bay Horse Inn, in Cramlington, Northumberland, at about 10pm that day.

It was reported that two men were struck by a van which was then said to have been driven from the scene.

Police said it was understood there had been an earlier disturbance in the pub.

Kelly, of Wansbeck Avenue, Blyth, David Fairclough, 32, of Emerson Road, Newbiggin-by-Sea and 28-year-old Shannon Wooden, also from Blyth, were subsequently arrested and charged with Mr Flanighan’s murder, plus the attempted murder of the second injured man.

At a previous hearing, Judge Paul Sloan, the Recorder of Newcastle, set a trial start date of Tuesday October 3, with a potential three-week time-estimate.

Read more: Man killed outside Cramlington pub named as three charged with murder

But today he and trial counsel agreed a timetable whereby the prosecution case must be submitted by May 23 with any application to dismiss charges to take place on June 14.

Defence case statements must be submitted by June 20, with a further case management hearing in the case to take place at the court on June 30.

Judge Sloan remanded all three defendants to remain in custody, Kelly and Fairclough in HMP Durham, and Wooden to HMP Low Newton, near Durham.

Following the events of the night of April 1, the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) paid a “heartfelt tribute” to Mr Flanighan on social media.

He was based at Ashington and Blucher stations during his 29-year-long career.

Read next:

* Tributes paid to ambulance worker killed outside Cramlington pub

* Three arrested in murder inquiry after man dies outside North East pub

* Three arrested on suspicion of murder after death of man hit by van

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In the post, NEAS stated: “This news has come as a great shock to us all, and our thoughts are with Sheldon’s family, friends, colleagues at this incredibly sad time.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and recognise the professionalism and the compassionate care that the attending crews showed at this incident.

“This type of incident is never easy to deal with, but even more so when it involves a colleague.”