Norton man to stand trial after fatal crash in Hartlepool

Ryan Addison pleaded not guilty to causing the death of 79-year-old William Turnbull when he made a brief appearance at Teesside Crown Court, in Middlesbrough, on Wednesday. The 27-year-old was charged after a crash on the A689 Belle Vue Way, Hartlepool, on October 13, 2024 at around 11pm. Following the incident, Cleveland Police said Mr Turnbull, known as Billy, was walking near the junction when he was struck by a blue BMW 335D travelling south towards the Stag and Monkey roundabout.

Addison, of Dovedale Road, Norton, Stockton, will go on trial next year following the death of the Hartlepool man. Judge Francis Laird KC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, listed a five-day trial to start on May 24, 2027. The defendant was released on bail until the trial date.

At the time of the incident, the pensioner's family paid tribute to him, with his son Paul saying: "Billy was a loving father to me and grandad to my children."

His stepson Graham added: "He was a loving step dad to me and will be missed by myself, partner Lesley and grandson Joe."