DEATH DRIVER IN COURT
A woman will go on trial next year accused of causing the death of a cyclist by careless driving.
Stuart Price, 24, from Murton, died after he was involved in a collision with a car in Colliery Lane, Easington Lane, in February 2017.
At Newcastle Crown Court, Lisa Maher has pleaded not guilty to causing his death by careless driving.
The 50-year-old, of Western Terrace, Murton, will be tried by a jury on March 11 next year.
The court heard the case could last about three days.
Judge Paul Sloan QC granted her conditional bail in the meantime and said a further, pre-trial hearing will take place on October 25.
Stuart, known as Pricey and Chewy Stuey by friends, worked in the records department of Sunderland Royal Hospital.
He also played football for New Hesledon Club, known as the Top Club, and Murton Colliery Club at weekends.
Last year, a revamped stand at Murton’s Welfare Park was named in his honour.
Hundreds attended Stuart’s funeral at Holy Trinity Church in his home village, with many mourners wearing Sunderland AFC shirts, his favourite football team, at the request of his loved ones.
His mum, Deborah Do bie, said: “He lived his life to the full. He was a character and had a cheeky smile.”
“He was a character and had a cheeky smile” MUM DEBORAH DOBIE