A man accused of killing a grandmother in a car that had been stolen from her sister has made his first court appearance.

Paul Wales, 47, of Gorst Street, Liverpool, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court via video link to Durham prison for a short preliminary hearing today.

Wales, who was dressed in jeans and a pale blue shirt, spoke only to confirm his name and confirm he could hear the court proceedings.

Wales has been charged with robbery, causing Pamela Phinn's death by dangerous driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, and causing criminal damage to a mechanical breath analyser at South Shields Police station.

Ms Phinn, 48, was struck by a Honda Civic in Horsley Hill Road, South Shields.

Her two grandchildren Mia, seven months and Dean, 18 months, and their mother 29-year-old Kelly Laws, the partner of Ms Phinn's son Dean, were seriously injured.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating the incident as the vehicle was being followed by a marked police car when it happened on Thursday May 11.

Mrs Phinn, who worked in Asda in the town, died at the scene.

Wales will be back before the crown court for a plea and directions hearing on July 18.

And a provisional trial date was set for September 18 before Judge John Milford.

No application was made for bail at the short hearing yesterday and Wales was remanded in custody.