Jake Saunders, 18, of Mill Lane, Rodmell, faces a string of motoring charges following a fatal accident which claimed the life of 17-year-old Max Healey.

Saunders is alleged to have been at the wheel of a Ford Focus which left the road on the A27 and crashed into a flint wall close to the Ashcombe Roundabout near Kingston.

He is charged with causing the death of Mr Healey, a Lewes Sixth Form student and former Priory School pupil, on April 6 by driving dangerously on the A27.

His is further charged with causing Mr Healey's death by driving without due care and attention while over the drink-drive limit.

Saunders is also accused of driving without insurance, aggravated vehicle taking, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report an accident as soon as reasonably practicable.

The defendant spoke only to confirm his personal details and did not indicate pleas to any of the six charges he faces when he appeared before Lewes magistrates (today) Wednesday.

A second youth, a 17-year-old from the Lewes area who cannot be named because of his age, also appeared in court in connection with the fatal crash.

He is accused of aggravated vehicle taking in which a vehicle was driven dangerously and resulted in a fatal accident and with driving without insurance.

Magistrates ruled that the case was too serious for them to deal with and directed that both defendants must be tried at Lewes Crown Court.
Saunders and his co-accused were released on unconditional bail to await a plea and directions hearing before a judge on August 4.