A man accused of killing six-year-old Leonie Shaw in a hit and run accident appeared in court today.

Colin Meek, 34, appeared before Sedgefield Magistrates charged with causing the death of Leonie by dangerous driving.

The youngster suffered fatal injuries after she was hit by a car on the A688 at South Church, near Bishop Auckland on Saturday.

Meek is facing five charges for causing death by dangerous driving, driving without insurance, failing to report an accident, failing to drive in accordance of a provisional licence and for not stopping after an accident.

He is also charged jointly with girlfriend Emma Jane Lee, 21, for causing unnecessary suffering or injury to a child.

Lee is also charged with aiding and abeting and failing to stop after an accident.

The couple, from Salvin Street in Spennymoor, spoke only to confirm their names and addresses and were both remanded in custody until Monday.

An inquest into the death of Leonie Shaw is due to open at Bishop Auckland police station tomorrow.