A LORRY driver accused of causing serious injury by dangerous driving after a crash on the A69 will face trial at crown court.

Robert Hogg (47) of Magnolia Walk, Spennymoor, appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, November 7.

He faced one charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, relating to a crash on the Haydon Bridge bypass on November 4 last year.

The incident saw two lorries collide, and left both drivers in hospital with numerous serious injuries.

The accident took place on a Sunday night, and left the road closed for several hours while the lorries were recovered.

The lorries were removed by the following afternoon, but temporary traffic lights and a reduced speed limit had to be put in place while the road was repaired.

Hogg spent two weeks in hospital following the crash. It took three days to remove all the shattered windscreen glass from his body.

He also sustained several injuries including lacerations to his arm and head, a collapsed lung, six broken ribs, swelling on the side of his head, a hematoma in his right leg, cuts on his stomach and three broken metatarsal bones.

However, he faces a charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving to Neil Ironside, the other driver involved in the accident.

The court heard that Mr Ironside had to undergo four operations because of numerous fractures to his body.

Hogg pleaded not guilty to the charge. Due to the serious nature of the case and the injuries sustained by Mr Ironside, District Judge Bernard Beglay declined jurisdiction and committed the case to crown court.

Hogg was released on unconditional bail, and will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on December 5.