A YOUNG motorist has appeared in court charged with causing the death of a takeaway worker in East Lancashire by dangerous driving.
Mohammed Islam, 25, is accused of causing the death of Yasir Khan, 23, in a crash on Colne Road, in Burnley, in the early hours of September 29 last year.
His Mazda 6 car was alleged at the time to have been involved in a police pursuit, a short time before the incident, close to the junction of Jackson Street, Duke Bar.
Islam has also been charged with causing serious injury to Sajjad Bhatti, in the same incident and causing death by dangerous driving in an unlicensed and uninsured vehicle.
He spoke only to confirm his name and gave his address as Burns Street, Burnley. Islam was last said to be living care of the Paanshee Restaurant, in Bastion Road, Prestatyn, near Rhyl.
Prosecutor Tracy Yate said the death by dangerous driving charge was indictable only and asked for the two remaining offences to also be sent for hearing at Burnley Crown Court.
No pleas were entered by the defendant and no representations were made by defence solicitor Raja Afzal during the five-minute hearing.
Islam, who appeared in court on a summons, was given unconditional bail to attend a plea and trial preparation hearing at the higher court on September 16.
Mr Khan, a former student at Sir John Thursby Community College in Burnley, who was a front-seat passenger in the Mazda, suffered fatal injuries.
Mr Bhatti, a rear seat passenger, said to be aged 26, suffered back and leg injuries, which required treatment at the Royal Preston Hospital, and Islam suffered minor injuries.
Tributes were paid to the young man at the time.
Speaking at the scene of the fatality, a family friend said: “What’s happened has still not sunk in. He was a really nice guy. He was well known in the community for doing good things.
"No-one had a bad word to say about him. We are all going to miss him deeply.
"It's devastating. He's been taken far, far too early. He's so young.
"He always cheered you up and always thought about the positive aspects of situations."
An investigation was also launched by the Independent Office of Police Conduct, which is expected to report back at the conclusion of the criminal case.
