A CARLISLE teenager has appeared in court after being charged with causing the death of a 17-year-old by dangerous driving.

James Stephenson Cooper, 18, is alleged to have committed the offence on the outskirts of Rockcliffe village on September 22 last year. The accident involved caused the death of Gavin Helps, say prosecutors.

Cooper has also been charged with two other offences.

The first of these is that he caused the serious injury of another passenger in the car, named in court papers as Niall Kennedy.

The third charge Cooper faces is that he drove dangerously between September 14 and September 17, 2019, in Carlisle. The car involved was the same VW Polo, say prosecutors.

No details of the prosecution case were outlined in court.

Cooper, of Beaver Road, Belle Vue, appeared briefly at Carlisle’s Rickergate Magistrates’ Court.

He did not formally enter a plea to any of the three charges that he faces.

District Judge Gerald Chalk said that the case could only be dealt with by a judge at the city’s crown court.

He therefore sent the case there for a hearing on October 21.

On that day, it is likely that Cooper will be asked to enter his pleas.

District Judge Chalk told Cooper: “I’m sending all three matters to the crown court sitting in Carlisle and you will make your first physical appearance there on October 21. You are under a legal obligation to attend court on that date.”

Prosecution papers say that Cooper was driving a Volkswagen Polo on Rockcliffe Road, on the outskirts of the village, when the accident happened.

In court, the defendant - dressed in a dark suit, shirt and tie - spoke only to confirm his personal details. He was represented during the 10 minute hearing by defence lawyer Mark Shepherd.

The families of both Mr Helps and the defendant were in court for the hearing.

After the tragedy, Mr Helps' family issued a tribute. Their statement said: “Gavin was a beloved son to Claire and loving brother to Laura and Matthew.

“He was taken from us too soon, in tragic circumstances. We will miss you.”

Donations were invited at his funeral service at Carlisle Crematorium for the Pride of Cumbria Air Ambulance Appeal