by Melanie Wimmer

A motorist has been charged in connection with the death of a police officer.

PC Phillip Pratt, pictured, died while he was trying to divert traffic after an accident on the A249, in June last year.

PC Pratt, 26, was from Hempstead, but worked in Sittingbourne as an emergency response officer.

He was struck by a grey Peugeot 206 on the Maidstone-bound carriageway on June 14.

Stephen Allen Frank Pirie, 48, of Ramsgate Road, Broadstairs, appeared at Canterbury Magistrates’ Court last Friday.

He has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

The case against him was adjourned and he will next appear at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday, April 26.