Suspected dangerous-driver in court after car ploughs into group of pedestrians in Newcastle
Blair Cairns is alleged to have been behind the wheel of vehicle when it went onto a pavement and injured a person in Newcastle City Centre
A suspected dangerous driver has appeared in court after a car veered into a crowd of pedestrians walking along city centre pavement. Blair Cairns is alleged to have been behind the wheel of a vehicle when it lost control, mounted a pavement and injured person in Newcastle City Centre.
A court heard that the pedestrian only suffered minor injuries during the suspected incident on Grainger Street on May 16 last year. Cairns, 34, of Wilbury Place, Blakelaw, appeared in the dock this week to face one count of dangerous driving.
He pleaded not guilty to the offence and, instead, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. Emily Sanderson, prosecuting at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, said: "The Crown would say that this is suitable for summary trial."
Ben Hurst and District Judge Kate Meek agreed but Cairns elected to have his case heard at the crown court. He said: "I wish to be tried at the crown court, your honour."
Sending Cairns to Newcastle Crown Court and bailing him to appear there on April 1, the judge said: "This is suitable to be dealt with at the magistrates' court. If convicted, you may have been committed to the crown court for sentence.
"However, you wish to have your trial at the crown court. You are bailed to attend there on April 1. The fact you're on bail means that you have a duty to attend.
"If you don't, a warrant will likely be issued for your arrest and an absconding charge will be laid against you. The case could also proceed in your absence."