A MOTORIST has avoided a driving ban after a man and a woman were hospitalised following a crash on the A69.

Stephen Frankland, of Wheatfield Close, Ovingham, was driving a van towing a trailer full of plants on the trunk road, near Hexham, in July when he crashed into the pair who were on a motorcycle.

The 45-year-old appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court, in Bedlington, on Thursday where he pleaded guilty to one count of driving without due care and attention.

Frankland was fined £213, ordered pay costs of £85 and a £32 victim surcharge. He also received five penalty points.

THE trial of a man accused of aggravated burglary has been adjourned.

Ben Derek Shields (29), of Bewick Lane, Ovingham, had pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing at Newcastle Crown Court to a charge relating to an incident on August 8, 2018.

Shields is accused of stealing £103 from a house in Mickley, while armed with a screwdriver.

The two-day trial was due to start on Tuesday, but was adjourned until February 24.