A 23-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in court, charged with causing the death by dangerous driving of Michael McDermott, who was killed when his mobility scooter was struck by a car in Leeds Road, Thornbury, Bradford, earlier this year.

Najeeb Hussain made his first appearance at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court yesterday.

District Judge Susan Bouch sent the case to the crown court for trial.

Slim, bearded Hussain, of Addison Avenue, Bradford Moor, is charged with causing the death of Michael McDermott by driving a Seat Leon Cupra dangerously, in Leeds Road, Bradford, on Friday, February 20.

Prosecutor Jill Seddon said the matter was indictable only and would have to be sent to the crown court.

Short-haired Hussain, who was dressed in a grey, blue and maroon T-shirt, blue tracksuit trousers and blue sneaker shoes, also faces four further charges relating to the same incident: failing to stop after a road accident; failing to report the accident; causing death by driving a vehicle when unlicensed; and causing death by driving a vehicle while uninsured.

Miss Seddon asked that all matters be sent to the crown court.

Hussain spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth during the brief four-minute hearing.

His solicitor, Khalid Hussain, said his client would be indicating a not guilty plea.

Hussain stood in the witness box with his hands clasped in front of him as District Judge Bouch told him he would next appear at Bradford Crown Court on August 14 for a preliminary hearing.

Mrs Bouch granted the defendant bail on condition that he does not apply for travel documents and does not contact, directly or indirectly, a named witness.

The court heard Hussain had surrendered his passport as part of a pre-hearing bail condition.

Mr McDermott, a 70-year-old father-of-seven, died at the scene of the accident, which happened at lunchtime on Friday, February 20, near to the junction of Thornbury Avenue with Leeds Road.

Mr McDermott, who was affectionately known as Micky Mack, was on his way home in his mobility scooter when the incident happened. He had been to the post office, paid his dominoes subs at a local pub and been shopping before the accident.

He had been born and bred in Ireland but had settled in Bradford more than 30 years ago.

After the tragedy, Mr McDermott's son, David McDermott, described his father as well known in the area, popular and much loved.

He said: "He was a good and decent man, who was always jolly. He worked all his life.

"He was happy in Bradford. He will be sadly missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends, both in Ireland and England."