A MAN has denied causing the death of Raymond Johnstone through careless, inconsiderate driving.

Daniel Freeman-Hollins, of Swinyard Road, Malvern, appeared in the dock of court one at Worcester Crown Court for the hearing, and spoke only to confirm his name and to give the not guilty pleas.

Freeman-Hollins pleaded not guilty to causing the death by careless/inconsiderate driving without due care and attention, causing death by driving while unlicensed and causing death by driving while uninsured.

The death of Mr Johnstone took place following the alleged incident in which Freeman-Hollins was driving a Suzuki Liana on Gloucester Road, Castle Morton, on May 24 last year.

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The 19-year-old was dressed completely in black for his court appearance, which took place on Monday afternoon, having earlier given no indication of his pleas at a first hearing that was held at Worcester Magistrates Court last month.

During the plea trial preparation at Worcester Crown Court Judge Robert Juckes said after reading the case information, he would describe the incident as a “complicated road traffic accident”, adding he had seen there were a number of factors involved.

He asked if the prosecution were content with the indictment put to Hollins, to which Alex Warren, prosecuting, replied “yes” and asked for a date to be set for a trial.

Stage dates - when reports and evidence for the case needs to be disclosed by prosecution and defence - were set between February and April, after they were agreed by all parties.

A date for a pre trial review was set for August 7 and the date of trial, which the prosecution indicated is expected to last four days, was set for September 7.

At the end of the hearing Freeman-Hollins was told to stand by the judge, who said: “I’m sorry the trial could not be any sooner.

“I have to warn you that if fail to attend the next hearing, which for you is the pre-trial review, you would be committing an offence that itself would be imprisonable.”

Freeman-Hollins was given unconditional bail before he was told he could leave the dock.