A MAN has appeared in court charged with causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving after a mother-of-two was killed and her five-year-old son injured crossing a town centre road.

Shantelle Kirkup, 29, died after being struck by a blue Ford Focus at a pedestrian crossing on St Cuthbert’s Way, Darlington, in May 2018.

The married Northallerton woman was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough via air ambulance but died from her injuries a few hours later.

Her young son also sustained significant injuries in the crash and received treatment at James Cook.

Last month, Stuart Pearson Levy was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The 36-year-old, of Rocket Street, Darlington, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning.

He spoke only to confirm his name, age and date of birth.

The Northern Echo:

Mr Levy’s solicitor stated that his client had not driven a car since the date of the crash and that the DVLA had revoked his driving licence.

Mr Levy was granted bail by District Judge Tim Capstick, who also confirmed that the 36-year-old was banned from driving ahead of his next court date at Teesside Crown Court in mid-March.

The incident involving Mrs Kirkup, her son and Mr Levy happened at around 3.40pm on Sunday, May 6, on the northbound carriageway of St Cuthbert’s Way, opposite St Cuthbert’s Church and Darlington Police Station.

Roads around the area were closed throughout that afternoon as emergency services worked at the scene. Floral tributes were left at the pedestrian crossing on the ring-road.

Mrs Kirkup was described as “beautiful inside and out”, as well as a “fantastic mum”.