A MAN has appeared before York Crown Court accused of causing the death of an 11-year-old child by dangerous driving.

Patrick James Veitch, 48, also faces allegations that he caused serious injury to a second child and to an adult, in both cases by dangerous driving, in an incident on the A64 York Outer Ring Road.

He spoke only to confirm his name during the 40-minute hearing before the Honorary Recorder of York, Judge Paul Batty QC. It was the first time he had appeared before the crown court.

Veitch, a company director, of Fenwick Lane, Fulford, who wore a dark suit with a black tie, was not asked to enter a plea to the three charges.

Relatives of the deceased child and the other complainants decided not to attend the hearing after they were told it was expected to deal with administrative matters only.

Veitch’s trial was fixed for September 24.

It is expected to last for up to nine days before Judge Andrew Stubbs QC at York Crown Court.

The 48-year-old, who was represented by London barrister David Whittaker, is alleged to have been driving a Porsche Panamera when he was involved in an incident on the A64 near Grimston Bar on August 5, 2016.

The road was closed for several hours while emergency services dealt with the people and vehicles involved.

In addition to fixing the trial date, Judge Batty set a date for an interim hearing on April 18 and made orders regarding legal matters concerning the trial. Veitch was released on the same bail conditions as before.