Man remanded over fuel raid death

Rosemary Dove died after dialling the emergency services

A man arrested following the death of a farmer's wife during a fuel raid has been remanded in custody.

Rosemary Dove, 68, collapsed on Sunday after dialling 999 at East House Farm, Bishop Middleham, County Durham, where she lived with her husband Frank.

Her son Michael was injured when he was hit by the thief's truck.

Tony Blair, 21, of Coundon, was remanded in custody charged with six offences including wounding with intent and theft of a vehicle.

Mrs Dove collapsed after she and her 67-year-old husband spotted a man who appeared to be stealing red diesel at their farm.

Mr Dove and his 43-year-old son chased the man in to a field, where the younger man was badly injured when he was allegedly hit by the getaway vehicle.

As Mrs Dove, was on the phone to police she collapsed and died.

Mr Blair, of Leeholme Road, Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, appeared at South Durham Magistrates' Court on Thursday charged with wounding Michael Dove.

He is also accused of stealing a Mitsubishi L200 pick-up, theft of diesel, handling stolen goods - namely a £8,000 blue Toyota Landcruiser - and two charges of driving without insurance.

He will appear before Teesside Crown Court in Middlesbrough on 4 July.