Crawley man denies fatal hit and run (From The Argus)

Crawley man denies fatal hit and run

1:20pm Tuesday 30th March 2010 in

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A motorist accused of killing an elderly pedestrian in a hit and run crash will go on trial this summer.

Leonard Jones, 26, has denied the manslaughter of 70-year-old Joanna Hakesley, who was hit by a red Mazda in Church Lane, Copthorne, near Crawley, on October 25 last year.

The pensioner died after she was allegedly hit by a stolen car that had been involved in a police chase.

Miss Hakesley, of Bramble Close, Copthorne, was only yards from her home when she was allegedly struck by a car which mounted the pavement, at about 11.30am.

She was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital, in Whitechapel, but later died.

Jones, of Rhodes Way, Furnace Green, Crawley, appeared at Lewes Crown Court for a hearing yesterday. He was remanded in custody until his trial, which is due to start on June 7.