TWO men have denied causing the death of a 15-year-old Ryedale girl by driving dangerously on the A170 between Thornton-le-Dale and Snainton.

Natalia Wiley, a pupil at Lady Lumley’s School in Pickering, died after the blue Corsa in which she was travelling as a passenger overturned near Ebberston, east of Thornton-le-Dale, on the major road south of the North York Moors.

Daniel Jeminson, 21, of Kirby-moorside, and Robert Turnbull, 18, of Pickering, were arrested shortly after the crash. They are alleged to have been driving different cars on the A170 when the crash happened.

Both are charged with causing Natalia’s death by dangerous driving. When they appeared before York Crown Court, both denied the charge and their case was adjourned until November, when they will stand trial at the same court. Jeminson was released on unconditional bail. Turnbull was released on bail on condition he does not contact members of the Wiley family.

Natalia was declared dead at the scene of the crash which occurred on Saturday, January 8, at about 6.30pm.

At the time, her family described her as a “beautiful, happy, confident” girl.

Tributes poured in to The Press’s online book of condolences.

Natlia’s school, where she was a Year 10 pupil, issued a statement, which said: “Natalia was a lovely, lively and likeable student. She was a very popular student and she had many friends in the school.

“Natalia was also a very caring person and she always looked after the needs of other students.”

Turnbull was allegedly driving the car in which Natalia was travelling. Jeminson was allegedly driving a white Ford Fiesta which was travelling with it.

Both spoke only to confirm their names and to enter their plea at the brief hearing.