The trial of a driver accused of causing the death of a pedestrian by careless driving in Gravesend has been brought forward.

Costica Ciapa’s case was due to be heard at Maidstone Crown Court on June 26 next year.

The new date is January 23.

Rimantas Karvelis, 56, suffered fatal injuries after he was struck by Ciapa’s Vauxhall Astra in London Road, Northfleet, on October 24 last year.

Mr Karvelis, a Lithuanian who was in the UK to visit one of his two sons receiving treatment in hospital, died 10 days later on November 3.

Ciapa, a 27-year-old Romanian, denied the charge as well as causing death by driving without a licence and while uninsured.

He admitted dangerous driving in London Road and Grange Road after the accident.

Ciapa, of Wellington Street, Gravesend, was remanded in custody.