A teenager has appeared in court accused of killing a girl by careless driving on a road in Northumberland.
Rhys McLennan was allegedly behind the wheel of a Nissan Pixo when it collided with a tree on the B6341 near Edlingham, close to Alnwick.
The 19-year-old's passenger, Chelsea Gillie, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, a court was told.
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However, the 17-year-old, from Berwick, sadly died in the hospital three-days-later.
McLennan, of Cheviot Lodge, in Longframlington, appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court on Wednesday to face allegations of causing death by careless driving, causing death by driving a vehicle while unlicensed and causing death by driving a vehicle while uninsured.
He entered not guilty pleas to all charges against him.
Glenda Beck, prosecuting, said because the case involved a fatality, it should be sent to the crown court.
She added: "The Crown would say this is not suitable for summary trial.
"The starting point for the offence of death by careless driving is 15 months in custody."
The court heard that the accident happened at around 8.30pm on October 26 2020 on the B6341 near Edlingham, between Alnwick and Rothbury.
Graham Crouth, defending, agreed that the case should be sent to the crown court.
Declining jurisdiction, chairing magistrate Steven Johnson, said: "You will next appear on February 9 at Newcastle Crown Court at 10am.
"Until then, you're on unconditional bail. That means you must turn up on that date and time. If you don't turn up, a warrant could be issued for your arrest."
Chelsea's family released a statement after she died, which said: "Chelsea was a daughter, sister and friend who was taken too soon from all those who loved her. She had her whole life ahead of her.
"Sleep tight and rest in peace baby girl.”
