CHARGES against an elderly pensioner accused of causing death by careless driving were withdrawn.

Ernest Garner, 86, stood accused of causing the death of Charles Butcher in Meridian Way, Peacehaven in January 2019.

He was set to face the charge and of failing to pass a competent eyesight test at Brighton Magistrates’ Court.

But charges against Garner, formerly of Highview Road, Telscombe Cliffs, were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.

He was diagnosed with dementia, and it was not in the public interest to prosecute.

The CPS said: “Following medical evidence, it became clear the defendant was not fit to stand trial and therefore the case could only have proceeded as a finding of fact, rather than a trial. This limits the court powers with sentencing.

“Having taken the views of the victim’s family into account, we decided that it was no longer in the public interest to proceed with the prosecution.”

Garner had been listed to appear before the courts on several occasions, but he was not deemed fit to get to court, so last month it was finally agreed to withdraw the offences.