Peterlee Magistrates' Court heard Dennis Moore failed to brake as he collided with James Jorgenson in his partner's mobility car.

The 50-year-old, from Houghton, admitted causing Mr Jorgenson's death by driving without due care and attention and a second charge of driving without a licence.

The court heard he has never held a full licence and his partner Janice Bell entered a guilty plea for permitting him to drive her Hyundai Matrix mobility car.

Mr Jorgenson, 55, who lived in Hunstanton, East Shore Village, Seaham, sustained serious head injuries in the accident on September 24 and died in hospital 12 days later.

He had not been wearing a helmet when he was stuck at the junction of North Road and Stoneycroft Way, at the entrance to his estate, as both he and the car headed south.

David Bryson, prosecuting, said the car was being driven at a speed of between 15 to 20mph.

During investigations into the collision, police found Moore had blurred vision in his right eye and needed to wear glasses, although he would have still met DVLA standards.

It also emerged he was driving without supervision, as Bell, who was in the car at the time of the accident, does not hold a licence.

Mr Bryson added: "Mr Moore didn't see Mr Jorgenson and can't explain why not."

Magistrates committed the case to the crown court to be sentenced on a date still to be arranged and released Moore on unconditional bail.

The court also heard Moore was allowed to drive the mobility vehicle, issued by the Department of Work and Pensions, for some years before the accident happened.

Mr Bryson said Ms Bell was a front seat passenger on the day of the collision and admitted she knew Moore was driving without insurance.

Bell, 41, was fined £93, told to pay costs of £43, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £15 and given three penalty points.

Chairman of the bench William Stoddart told Bell: "This has far-reaching effects today.

"The fact is that if you had thought about this, your partner wouldn't be standing in court for these offences of causing death by careless driving.

"It's very sad that it has been brought on by yourself and you are aware that you are responsible as well."