A HAIRDRESSER has been convicted of causing a businessman's death by dangerous driving.

Yesterday, Teesside Crown Court heard how Carol Charlton, 20, shocked other motorists when she went to overtake on the brow of a hill.

Her hired Seat hatchback crashed into an oncoming Ford Escort, killing driver Nigel Addison, 27, of Romaldkirk, on the B6278 between Barnard Castle and Eggleston.

Charlton, of Dale View, Mickleton, who had been driving for five months, used a stick to walk into Teesside Crown Court after suffering a fractured hip, broken foot and back injuries in the collision, in November 1999.

She said that she could not remember much about the crash, as she drove home in the dark from work in Barnard Castle, but she did not see any headlights until it was too late.

Sentencing was adjourned for reports