A man is to stand trial accused of causing serious injury by dangerous driving following a two-car collision on a County Durham village road.

Friday Shedrach Godwin is alleged to have been responsible for the crash with another car due to the dangerous manner of his driving in a Toyota Auris, on Saturday, March 25, last year.

The driver of the other vehicle is said to have suffered serious injuries in the collision, on the B6286 near North Bitchburn.

Appearing at Durham Crown Court, the charge was put to the 43-year-old defendant, alleging that he drove dangerously in the Auris between North Bitchburn Bank and Green Lane, causing serious injury to the other motorist.

(Image: The Northern Echo) Following his not-guilty plea, arrangements were made for a trial at the court, starting on Wednesday, July 2.

Michele Turner, representing the defendant, said there does not appear to have been a road traffic collision expert’s report prepared by the Crown.

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Samuel Ponniah, prosecuting, said it appeared to be a “relatively straightforward” issue and it was not felt necessary for such a report.

The case was adjourned pending the trial, and Judge Nathan Adams bailed the defendant, of Meadowdale Close, Haverton Hill, near Middlesbrough.

But he told him he must submit a signed defence statement to the court to outline his response to the allegation by December 20.