Man in court over 'carjack' death

The dead woman's grandchildren were also injured

An alleged carjacker accused of running over and killing a grandmother has appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.

Paul Wales is accused of killing Pamela Phinn, 48, and seriously injuring her grandchildren, 18-month-old Dean and Mia Phinn, seven months.

The 47-year-old, of Gorst Street, Liverpool, is accused of causing death by dangerous driving and robbery.

The crash happened in South Shields, South Tyneside. No pleas were taken and Mr Wales was remanded in custody.

Patrol car

The children's mother, Kelly Laws, 29, was also hurt in the crash in Horsley Hill Road on 11 May.

Mr Wales, who appeared via video link, is also accused of driving without insurance, driving without a licence and criminal damage to a police breathalyser.

He was remanded until 18 July and his trial has been provisionally listed to begin on 18 September. Ms Laws and her two children are said to be making progress in hospital.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has begun an investigation as the Honda Civic involved in the case was being pursued by a patrol car.