Man in court accused of teenage cyclist's death

James Durham entered no plea at Norwich Magistrates' Court and he has been bailed to appear at Norwich Crown Court

A 54-year-old man has appeared in court charged with causing the death of a teenage cyclist by dangerous driving.

James Durham, 54, of Goodwin Road, Mundesley, appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Friday. He entered no plea.

Mr Durham was driving a white Ford Ranger truck, which collided with 13-year-old Alfie Brown at 18:24 BST on 10 August in 2023. Mr Durham was charged 22 months later.

Alfie, who had been riding in Swafield, near North Walsham, died at the scene.

Alfie Brown, 13, died after he was struck while riding his bike in Swafield, near North Walsham in August 2023

Rebecca Beauchamp said Alfie was an "amazing son"

Alfie's mum Rebecca Bauchamp, has previously spoken of her pain after her teenage son died.

She said her son was a "talented artist" who loved to draw comic strips and design characters.

Mr Durham was arrested on the same day of the accident on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision.

He was later released under investigation before he was charged.

Throughout the hearing Alfie's dad Andrew Brown stared through the glass of the dock in Court Six, as Mr Durham confirmed his name, date of birth and address.

He was wearing black rimmed glasses, a black suit and patterned tie, but he did not enter a plea.

District Judge Matthew Bone said the case was too serious to be heard at Magistrates' Court, and he set a date of 29 August for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Norwich Crown Court.

Mr Durham was granted bail on condition he lives and sleeps either at his home address in Mundesley or his caravan in North Walsham.