A MAN has been remanded in custody over the death of a youth who was allegedly struck by a car on playing fields.

Ian Gourley, 15, from Peterlee, County Durham, died in hospital from severe head injuries after he was allegedly hit by a Ford Escort on land known as the Pony Fields, next to Eden Lane, in the town, on Wednesday, November 19.

A burnt-out car was found less than a mile away

Dean English, 22, of no fixed abode, appeared before the town's magistrates on Saturday charged with causing death by dangerous driving, arson, aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

He also faces an unrelated charge of possession of cannabis. No bail application was made and he was remanded in custody.

Lee Black, 18, of Rothbury Avenue, Horden, was also remanded in custody on charges of arson and aggravated vehicle-taking.

Two youths, aged 16 and 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in court charged with arson and aggravated vehicle-taking.

The 17-year-old was remanded in custody and the 16-year-old was remanded to local authority care.

They will appear at Durham Crown Court on Friday.

Ian, who attended Belmont Comprehensive School and lived at Lakemore, Peterlee, was the youngest of five children.