A Tyneside man has appeared at crown court accused of murder following a crash in which a young woman died. Florin Chiriac appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Friday charged with murder, attempted wounding with intent and dangerous driving.
The 31-year-old, who was wearing a grey sweatshirt, sobbed throughout the hearing and spoke only to confirm his name. The court heard how he had been sent to the court by York Magistrates' Court in relation to an allegation of murder which was alleged to have occurred on Sunday, October 4.
Judge sets plea hearing date
Judge Robin Mairs set a date for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month. He told Chiriac, of Hampstead Road, Benwell, Newcastle, that he would be remanded in custody until that hearing.
The judge said: "There will be a further hearing listed on the 6th November this year for a plea and trial preparation hearing. There should hopefully be an indictment. There you can enter the pleas you wish to the indictment. In the meantime, you are remanded in custody."
Collision on A1 near Barton
A silver Ford Transit and a silver Volkswagen Golf were both travelling southbound on the A1 near Barton, North Yorkshire, when they collided on Sunday. Emergency services rushed to the scene of the collision, which occurred between Junction 57 and Junction 56, at around 6.10pm.
A 22-year-old woman from Newcastle was pronounced dead at the scene. Chiriac and a 23-year-old man from Grimsby were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Charges and investigation
Chiriac was charged with murder, attempted wounding with intent and dangerous driving. The 23-year-old man was released with no further action.
Chiriac appeared at York Magistrates' Court in York on Thursday. He was remanded in custody to appear at Leeds Crown Court.
North Yorkshire Police is investigating the collision and has urged anybody with information to get in touch.
