Family tribute after driver dies in head-on collision

Lee James Norman was driving in Horse Close Lane, in Trimdon Colliery, earlier this week when he was involved in a head-on collision with a vehicle driving in the opposite direction.

Paramedics and air ambulance crews carried out extensive first aid at the roadside in an effort to save the 51-year-old’s life, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Today, Thursday, October 8, his family issued a heartfelt tribute, and said he had been “an amazing son, fantastic brother and a brilliant uncle.”

“Our lives will never be the same without him,” they said.

“He was a popular member of the community and will be very much missed. He was loved by all whose lives he touched.”

The collision happened shortly after 2pm on Tuesday, October 6, and involved Mr Norman’s black Nissan Micra and a white Seat Leon.

The driver of the Seat, John Mould, suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

He was later arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, failing to stop and failing to report an accident.

The 34-year-old, of Greenbank Close, Trimdon, appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court this morning, Thursday, October 8, where he was remanded in custody to appear at Durham Crown Court on Thursday, November 5.

He did not enter any pleas to the charges.

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