Child cruelty charges dropped

Leonie died with her mother at her bedside

Child cruelty charges have been dropped against a couple allegedly involved in a hit-and-run accident that killed a six-year-old.

Colin Meek, 34, and passenger Emma Lee, 21, still face several other charges in connection with the death of Leonie Shaw on 13 April.

The youngster was struck by a Rover 827Si as she tried to cross the A688 near her home in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

Leonie was taken to Bishop Auckland General Hospital but died the following morning with her mother, Michelle, at her bedside.

Crown court

Last Thursday Mr Meek and his girlfriend Ms Lee, both of Salvin Street, Spennymoor, County Durham, appeared before Sedgefield Magistrates' Court, sitting at Newton Aycliffe.

The case was adjourned until Monday for the Crown Prosecution Service to review the charges.

Mr Meek still faces six charges of causing death by dangerous driving, failure to stop and failure to report an accident.

He is also charged with driving without insurance and being an unaccompanied provisional licence holder.

Ms Lee is also facing a charge of aiding and abetting the failure to stop after an accident.

On Monday prosecutor Steven Orange told the court the CPS would not be pursuing the child cruelty charges against either defendant.

Mr Meek was remanded in custody until 30 April when he will appear at Teesside Crown Court.

Ms Lee was also remanded in custody and will appear before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe on Friday.