A MAN appeared at crown court yesterday accused of causing the death of a teenager who was hit by a car on a playing field.

Dean English, 22, is alleged to have struck Ian Gourley on grassland off Eden Lane, Peterlee, County Durham, on the evening of November 19.

A black Ford Escort car was subsequently found abandoned and burnt out in a shallow ravine several hundred yards from the scene of the collision.

Ian, 15, the youngest of five children, of Lakemore, Peterlee, died in hospital from head injuries.

Mr English, of Basingstoke Road, Peterlee, is accused of causing Ian's death by dangerous driving.

He is also charged with aggravated vehicle-taking and arson.

Three teenagers said to have been passengers in the car at the time of the accident also came before Durham Crown Court yesterday.

Lee Black, 18, of Rothbury Avenue, Horden, east Durham, and two youths aged 16 and 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, are also charged with aggravated vehicle-taking and arson.

No pleas were given at yesterday's hearing, and the case was adjourned to February 2.

Mr English, Mr Black and the 17-year-old were all remanded in custody by Judge Richard Lowden.

The 16-year-old was remanded to the care of his local authority on condition that he does not enter Horden or Peterlee.

A 20-year-old man from Horden, who was arrested in connection with the incident, is due to answer bail at Peterlee Police Station next week.