A YOUNG Wellington car driver accused of running down and killing a pedestrian during an attempt to escape a police pursuit in Taunton has been remanded in custody.

Jack Hawkings, aged 23, of Bramley Close, made a first appearance before magistrates in Taunton following his arrest after the chase on Friday (November 6).

He was accused of causing death by dangerous driving, and driving an Audi A3 without third party insurance and a valid licence.

The man who died was named in court papers as Graeme Potter, aged 73, who suffered critical injuries in the collision in East Reach, Taunton, and subsequently passed away in Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, on Sunday.

Hawkings also faced a series of charges for motoring offences arising from an incident seven months ago on April 16 in Longforth Road, Wellington.

Following the Wellington incident he was charged with driving a BMW car under the influence of cannabis and cocaine and without third party insurance and a valid licence.

Hawkings, who was represented in court by solicitor Sam White, pleaded guilty to all four of the Wellington offences during Monday’s hearing.

Chairman of the bench Alison Trott adjourned that particular case until December 2 for magistrates to sentence him.

Hawkings did not enter any pleas to the three charges arising from the police pursuit, and Mrs Trott committed him for trial in Taunton Crown Court.

A further charge of failing to stop when required by a police officer to do so was withdrawn.

He was remanded in custody until a crown court plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for December 11, which it was estimated would take about 30 minutes.

The crown court is currently sitting in the North Somerset magistrates court buildings in Worle, Weston super Mare, while renovation work continues on its Shire Hall, Taunton, premises.