A MAN accused of being at the wheel of a car involved in the hit-and-run death of a teenage boy on a playing field must remain in custody until his trial.

Dean English, 22, is alleged to have driven the Ford Escort that struck 15-year-old Ian Gourley on a field alongside Eden Lane, Peterlee, County Durham, before driving off, last November 19.

Ian, of Lakemore, Peterlee, a pupil at Belmont Comprehensive School, near Durham, died later in hospital from head injuries.

The Escort, which was taken from Amersham Crescent in Peterlee the previous day, was later found burned out in a ravine less than a mile from where the incident took place.

Mr English, of Basingstoke Road, Peterlee, who denies causing death by dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle-taking, will stand trial at Durham Crown Court on September 13.

Prosecutors yesterday applied to a judge at the court to extend the custody time limit under which Mr English must remain behind bars.

Jane Waugh, for Mr English, opposed the application and asked for him to be bailed.

Judge Tony Briggs granted the prosecution application.

Two 18-year-olds, one from Peterlee and the other, from nearby Horden, admitted aggravated vehicle-taking and arson of the Escort at a previous hearing.

They will be sentenced at the outcome of proceedings against Mr English.

A hearing in July will decide if a 17-year-old youth is fit to plead to a charge of aggravated vehicle-taking.