A man has appeared in court accused of killing a pensioner in Northumberland by hitting her with his van.
James Murdoch is suspected of causing the death of Victoria Blair by careless driving after the incident in a car park in Haltwhistle on January 27 2023. Mrs Blair, 77, was taken to hospital with serious injuries after the collision but sadly died in hospital a week later on February 3.
Murdoch, of Jaques Terrace, in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, is alleged to have been behind the wheel of a VW Crafter van when he struck the pensioner near to Holme Terrace. The 43-year-old was in the dock at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court this week to plead not guilty to one count of causing death by careless driving.
Ruth Forster, prosecuting, said: “The Crown would say that this is suitable for summary trial.” District Judge Kate Meek agreed, adding: “It seems to me that this could be dealt with at the magistrates’ court at least for trial and could be committed to the crown court for sentence, if convicted.”

(Image: Northumbria Police)
However, Murdoch elected to have his trial at the crown court. District Judge Meek told him: “You have elected to have your trial at the crown court.
“There will be another hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, in the same building but upstairs, which will take place on February 26 at 10am. You will be bailed to attend that hearing.
“If you don’t, a warrant could be issued for your arrest and an absconding charge laid against you. The hearing could also go ahead in your absence.”
Speaking shortly after the suspected collision, Sergeant Andrew Ferguson, of Northumbria Police’s Motor Patrols Department, said: “My thoughts, and those of my colleagues, are first and foremost with Victoria’s family and friends. Victoria’s family are understandably devastated by this tragedy and we are continuing to offer them support at this difficult time.”
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