Two York teenagers accused of endangering life by abandoning a vehicle on a railway will appear before the city's crown court on Monday.

Paul Robert William Barker, aged 18, of St Phillip's Grove, Clifton, and Michael Phillip Morrissey, aged 19, of Fossway, Heworth, are also accused of violence towards a policewoman.

Both face charges that they endangered the safety of a passenger or rail worker by abandoning a vehicle on the York to Scarborough railway at Haxby, drove a stolen vehicle dangerously in Malton Way, Rawcliffe Drive, Clifton, the A1237 York Ring Road and Station Road, Haxby, and were equipped for theft with a metal bar and a torch.

Barker is accused of causing bodily harm to PC Sarah Knubley by wanton and furious driving, attempting to cause her grievous bodily harm with intent to resist arrest, taking a vehicle without consent and stealing £90.25 worth of diesel from a BP garage. He also faces two charges each of driving whilst disqualified and without insurance.

Morrissey is accused of assaulting PC Knubley with intent to resist arrest.

All the offences are alleged to have occurred on February 25.

Their solicitor Craig Robertson made no application for bail.

Updated: 12:10 Thursday, April 05, 2001