A driver has denied killing a Good Samaritan who was run over while going to help an injured motorcyclist.

Steven Black, 27, of The Ridings, Kenton, Newcastle, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and a charge of dangerous driving during a brief hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.

Michael Ritson, a married father of three, from Jarrow, South Tyneside, suffered head injuries when he was hit by a car on the Felling bypass in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, in March.

He had stopped to get out after seeing a biker injured in a collision, and died in hospital three days later.

Black was granted unconditional bail until his trial at Newcastle Crown Court on January 9.