TWO people are to appear before Teesside Crown Court charged with causing the death of a two-year-old girl by dangerous driving.

Demi Schwec died of brain damage after being struck by a car near her home in Loftus, east Cleveland, on September 9, an inquest heard yesterday.

She was taken to the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, where she lost her fight for life a week later.

David Garner, 19, of Deepdale Road, Loftus, and Neil Sullivan, 21, of Westfield Walk, Loftus, were charged with dangerous driving following the accident in Loftus High Street.

A date has yet to be fixed for when the pair will appear at crown court, Sergeant Stephen McKie told Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield.

Demi, of Cleveland Street, Loftus, died of cerebral swelling due to an injury to the head, the inquest heard.

Home Office pathologist James Sunter said: "She died as a result of profound and irreversible brain damage, which evolved quite rapidly in the period of time immediately following a severe blunt force injury to the head.

"This was obviously due to the deceased having been struck by a motor vehicle."

The coroner adjourned the inquest pending the conclusion of the court proceedings against the two motorists