Man denies burglary that led to death

Aug 30 2008 by Neil McKay, The Journal

AMAN who was arrested following the death of a farmer’s wife in County Durham denied fuel theft and wounding yesterday.

Tony Blair, 21, entered not guilty pleas to charges of wounding with intent, theft, handling stolen goods and arson when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court in Middlesbrough.

Rosemary Dove, 68, collapsed and died as her husband and son confronted thieves raiding their farm for red diesel.

She ran to call police when she and husband Frank, 67, spotted trespassers on East House Farm in Bishop Middleham, between Sedgefield and Ferryhill, on July 22. Mrs Dove complained of feeling unwell immediately after making the 999 call. She suffered a suspected heart and collapsed.

She was later pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Meanwhile, her son Michael, 43, unaware of his mother’s plight, was trying to catch the suspected fuel thief on the farm.

He was injured when he was allegedly hit by the getaway vehicle, a pick-up which was later found burned out a few miles away.

Blair, of Leeholme Road, Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, spoke only to answer his name and to enter not-guilty pleas to eight charges in total.

Judge Tony Briggs adjourned the case until November, for trial.

No application for bail was made and Blair was remanded in custody.

After her death one of Mrs Dove’s neighbours described her as part of a very loving and caring family who are always pleasant and are very well liked in Bishop Middleham.

Another, Alan Springhall, said Mrs Dove and her husband Frank, 67 were thoroughly decent people.

The couple had called for a meal at the Hare and Hounds pub near Bishop Middleham and were returning home when the incident happened.