Seaham man denies causing death of Army veteran in crash

Appearing in court on what would have been Paul Knox’s 71st birthday on Monday (January 5), John Slater denied causing the pensioner’s death.

Mr Knox was hit by a BMW 3 series on Westlea Road in Seaham on January 14, 2025.

He was taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary where he died from his injuries on February 12.

Slater denied the death by dangerous driving charge and a second count alleging he failed to disclose the passcode for his phone to police investigating.

John Slater pictured leaving an earlier hearing in the case, at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court, in November (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Prosecutor Johnny Walker told Teesside Crown Court that a trial is expected to last four days.

Judge Francis Laird KC set a trial date at Durham Crown Court of Monday, October 19.

He required the prosecution to serve its evidence by February 2 and a signed defence statement to be submitted to the court by March 2.

Ex-Coldstream Guardsman Paul Knox, 70, from Seaham, who died weeks later from injuries suffered in road collision in the town on January 14, last year (Image: Durham Constabulary)

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Judge Laird bailed the 37-year-old defendant, of The Avenue, Seaham.

Mr Knox was a decorated former Coldstream Guardsman.

Following his death, among family tributes, he was described as “a loved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many”.