Man in court after death of 10-year-old girl

A man will appear in court charged with causing the death of a “beautiful” 10-year-old girl in an alleged hit-and-run.

Melissa Tate suffered fatal injuries after being hit by a car on Hillsview Avenue in Kenton, Newcastle, on the evening of September 25.

Police later charged 23-year-old Connor Marsden with causing her death by dangerous driving, as well as failure to stop.

Marsden, of Ambridge Way in Kenton, will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday.

He also faces charges of causing death by driving while uninsured, causing death by driving while not having a licence, failure to report to police following an accident, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, and driving without insurance, all of which relate to the incident.

In a statement after her death in hospital, Melissa’s parents, Michael Tate and Kimberley Wilson, said the schoolgirl had saved the lives of sick children after the family decided to donate her organs.

Mr Tate said: “Melissa was a beautiful, smart, funny, cheeky and laid-back girl who had a heart of gold and not a bad bone in her body.

“She could brighten up anyone’s day and all she ever wanted to do is help people.

“Even after passing she still went on to help others by donating her organs.”