Driver appears before court accused of causing two deaths

A PENSIONER has appeared in court accused of killing two women in a crash on the A69 in Northumberland.

Melvyn Griffiths is alleged to have caused the death of the females, including his partner, by dangerous driving and is also suspected of seriously injuring two others. The 74-year-old appeared via video link from his home town in Oxford at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

It’s alleged he was driving his Toyota Avensis dangerously on the westbound carriageway of the A69 at Melkridge, near Haydon Bridge, when he crashed into other vehicles.

His partner and passenger, Ann Marie Dewhurst, and a second woman, Karen Gell, who was in another car, both died in the accident on September 3, 2016. Two men, John Gell and William Tiffin, were also seriously injured.

Griffiths, of Orchard Walk, Watlington, Oxford, appeared in court charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and two of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Because of the seriousness of the first two alleged offences, no pleas were taken during the brief hearing and Griffiths spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. James Long, prosecuting, said: “I would invite you to send this matter to the crown court.”

Magistrates released Griffiths on unconditional bail to next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on January 2.