Student hit by car 'on track to conquer world'

Abigail Eggleston, 22, was studying law at Durham University

A law student who died after she was hit by a car was "on track to conquer the world", her family say.

Abigail Eggleston, 22, from Northamptonshire, was crossing the A167 in Neville's Cross, on the outskirts of Durham, when she was struck in the early hours of Sunday.

In a tribute, the Durham University student's family described her as a "constant ray of sunshine" and that she had been "studying hard" for her law degree and "having fun discovering the world".

Liam Bowes, 37, from Kelloe, County Durham, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court charged with causing death by dangerous driving, perverting the course of justice, driving without insurance and failing to stop.

Ms Eggleston was taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary after the crash but died a short time later, police said.

Her family said she was "such a beautiful, kind, strong go-getter".

"A constant ray of sunshine always looking on the bright side of life and reflecting your warm glow upon anyone fortunate enough to have known and loved you.

"You have been cruelly snatched from us much too soon darling, a great hole has been left in your place and life can never be the same again without you."

The crash happened on the A167 near Durham on Sunday

Mr Bowes was granted conditional bail until his next appearance at Durham Crown Court on 25 November.

Two men, both aged 38, and a 59-year old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender on Monday were released on police bail.

Det Ch Insp Mel Sutherland, of Durham Police, thanked the community for their assistance with the investigation.

"This has been a truly harrowing incident for everyone involved," he said.