A motorist has admitted causing the death of a scooter rider when he lost concentration while driving along the A19.

Rizwan Siddiqui collided with John James’ bike as he travelled along the northbound carriageway, about one mile prior to the A689 Wolviston junction, at around 1.45pm on Sunday July 24, 2022.

The 61-year-old, from Hebburn in South Tyneside, died in hospital four days later as a result of the injuries he suffered following the crash involving the defendant’s Mitsubishi Outlander.

Mr James, who had been riding a cream and green coloured motor scooter, suffered serious injuries and was taken to James Cook University Hospital where he died.

Police vehicles at the scene of the fatal accident on the A19Police vehicles at the scene of the fatal accident on the A19

The Mitsubishi driver pleaded guilty to causing Mr James’ death whilst driving without due care and attention when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court on the day his trial was due to start.

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Judge Timothy Stead adjourned the case to allow time for the preparation of a pre-sentence report but warned the defendant he was now subject to an interim driving disqualification.

"From this point on you are a banned driver, " he said. "I release you on bail but I give you no promises of indications of what your sentence will be.

"It may well not be myself who deals with the case."

The father-of-one, of Saltwater Court, Middlesbrough, was released on bail until his sentencing on October 11.