A PENSIONER has been charged with causing the death of a student during a night out in York.

Robert Stephenson, 21, died in the early hours of Saturday, March 26 last year when he was hit by a taxi in Micklegate.

The university student, from Pickering, was taken to York Hospital where he died later from his injuries.

A 70-year-old man has now been charged with causing death by driving without due care and attention.

He will appear at York Magistrates' Court on Thursday, April 20.

The University of Newcastle student had been in the third year of an agriculture degree, with honours in agronomy, when the accident happened.

His family has recently spoken to thank everyone for their overwhelming support for a trust fund set up in his memory, which has raised more than £70,000.

His family set up the Rob Stephenson Trust to help young people participate in sport.

Robert’s parents Patrick and Nicki, and elder brother Sam said they wanted to thank everyone for their overwhelming support of the Trust.

Nicki said: “The Trust has raised money through a variety of events, including cycle challenges, cricket matches and the Stevo Stumble.

“In addition we have been donated huge amounts of money from a wide range of organisations from agricultural companies to many local sports clubs.

“We would like to thank everyone for the wholehearted support of the Trust, from close family and friends to people we have never even meet. When Sam had this brainwave we had absolutely no idea that it would end up like this.”

Donations have been made to a number of projects, both in this country and abroad, including Sierra Leone, Mongolia, South Africa, India and Brazil.

Nicki said: “One of Rob’s friends Haydon Jackson personally delivered cricket shirts, donated by Yorkshire cricket, to a primary school in Rajasthan, India, while support is to be provided to girls in orphanages in China through the provision of sports equipment."

Robert was a rugby player with Malton and Norton Rugby Club and a cricketer with Thornton-le-Dale Cricket Club.

The Trust has supported Thornton Dale Cricket Club, the Mia’s Wheels appeal and community rugby for Malton RUFC.

Nicki said: “It has been an overwhelming year, which we will never forget. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us.”

For more information, go to robstephensontrust.com