A man from the Hexham area died after a three-vehicle crash on the A68 in rural Northumberland, with an elderly woman now accused of causing his death by dangerous driving.
Muriel Turnbull, from Elderberry Cottages in Otterburn, is alleged to have been driving a Vauxhall Corsa when it collided with a red farming quad bike at Colwell. The quad bike then collided with a white heavy goods vehicle travelling in the opposite direction.
The crash happened on August 27 last year. The prosecution alleges that Turnbull’s car and the quad bike were travelling south, while the HGV was travelling north.
Quad-bike rider died 10 days after crash
John Browell, who was in his 70s and from the Hexham area, was riding the quad bike. He was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries following the collision.
Mr Browell was initially taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary. He died from his injuries 10 days later.
Turnbull has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving. She was due to appear at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court this week, but did not attend in person after doctors at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital said she was medically unfit to do so.
Case sent to Newcastle Crown Court
At the hearing, prosecutor Chike Anieto told magistrates that the allegation was an indictable-only offence and would therefore have to proceed to the Crown Court.
This is an indictable-only offence, so it will need to go to the crown court. In relation to bail, the Crown would say that unconditional bail is suitable in respect of this matter.
Mr Anieto also explained why Turnbull’s attendance had been excused.
It appears today by way of postal requisition. The defendant was excused from attending after representations from doctors at The Freeman Hospital said she was of ill health and she was unfit to attend court.
Because of the seriousness of the allegation, pleas were not taken at the magistrates’ hearing. The case was sent to Newcastle Crown Court, where Turnbull is due to appear on October 20.
She was released on unconditional bail until that hearing. The charge remains an allegation and has not been proved in court.