A Mercedes van driver has appeared in court accused of causing serious injury to a woman as she crossed a road.

Deividas Bardauskas is alleged to have hit Joanne Bushell as she tried to cross Maidstone Road, Rainham, more than a year ago.

The 40-year-old was at the wheel of his Mercedes V220 van when it happened on January 11 last year.

Bardauskas, of Elizabeth Close, Romford, was charged with causing serious injury by careless driving and denied the offence when he appeared before magistrates in Sevenoaks on June 2.

The court was told Bardauskas had just pulled out of a petrol station when the incident happened.

Rajni Prashar, prosecuting, said: “The vehicle is said to have then made contact with the complainant.”

Magistrates sent the case to Maidstone Crown Court to be dealt with.

Bardauskas is set to appear there for a preliminary hearing on June 30 and he was granted bail until then.