A Dover taxi driver accused of causing the death of a 13-year-old keen rugby player by driving carelessly has denied the charge

Nawzad Salih Hussein, 48, of Cassino Square, Burgoyne Heights, appeared at Canterbury Crown Court over the incident on the A2 in March last year.

He had been at the wheel of a Skoda Octavia cab which was involved in a crash with a digger on the Londonbound carriageway of the A2 at Shepherdswell.

Hussein had two teenage lads in the taxi at the time- one of them, Steven Perry, died at the scene.

The cabbie and a 15-year-old boy were later taken to the William Harvey hospital with minor injuries.

The digger had been carrying out work as part of the Highways Agency's "lighting renewal scheme".

The trial has now been set for May 12 and Hussein was remanded on bail.

Steven, a rugby player, of The Avenue, Gravesend, played for a youth team at the Walmer-based Deal and Betteshanger Rugby Club.

John White, who coaches the under-13s team at the rugby club, said last year: "Steven played for the club for years and was admired and respected by all lucky enough to know him.

"He was a talented rugby player who was determined, even at a young age, to make a career out of the sport.

"Winning awards most years at the presentation evening is testament to his influence."