TWO men have denied causing the death of a 15-year-old girl by driving dangerously on a busy road.

Natalia Wiley, from Pickering, North Yorkshire, died after the car she was a passenger in overturned near Ebberston, on the A170 between Thornton-le-Dale and Snainton, on the North York Moors.

Daniel Jeminson, 21, of Kirbymoorside, and Robert Turnbull, 18, of Pickering, were arrested shortly after the crash and were charged with causing Natalia’s death by dangerous driving.

They are alleged to have been driving different cars on the A170 when the crash happened.

The pair denied the charge when they appeared before York Crown Court on Friday and their case was adjourned until November, when they will stand trial at the same court.

Jeminson was released on unconditional bail. Turnbull was released on bail on condition he does not contact members of the Wiley family.

Natalia was declared dead at the scene of the crash which happened on Saturday, January 8, at about 6.30pm.

At the time, her family described her as a "beautiful, happy, confident" girl.

Natalia’s school,where she was a Year 10 pupil, issued a statement, which said: "Natalia was a lovely, lively and likeable student. She was a very popular student and she had many friends in the school.

"Natalia was also a very caring person and she always looked after the needs of other students."

Turnbull was allegedly driving the car in which Natalia was travelling, while Jeminson was said to be driving a white Ford Fiesta which was travelling with it.

Both spoke only to confirm their names and to enter their plea at the brief hearing.