A man killed in a head-on crash on Monday was facing a court case this week accused of drugs and driving offences.

John Butterworth was at the wheel of a grey BMW when it collided with a van in Folkestone Road, Dover.

The 30-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, alongside the driver of the van.

Now it has emerged the fatal crash happened just days before Mr Butterworth was due before Folkestone magistrates to face charges for three separate offences.

The court was told yesterday that Mr Butterworth was alleged to have failed to stop for police when driving his Seat Ibiza in Lower Road, River, in May last year.

The following month it was alleged he failed to take a blood test for analysis when requested by police in Margate, and on the same day he was accused of possessing cannabis in Dover.

He had yet to enter pleas to any of the charges.

Solicitor Emma Wright told District Judge Justin Barron the news of Mr Butterworth's death, and as a result the Crown Prosecution Service said the cases would be withdrawn.

The hearing was due to take place two days after Monday's fatal crash, which happened at about 5.10am.

Mr Butterworth and the driver of the Ford Transit, Stef Hayles, died, while a passenger in the van suffered minor injuries.

Flowers and other tributes have been left at the side of the road for Mr Butterworth, who was also known as Butts.

One note said he had "always been a good mate".

"To you, my brother, I can't believe this... so many funny, crazy memories over the years," it continued.

"Thank you for always being a good mate to me, you were a silly sausage but I wouldn't have you any other way. I'll think of you always. Love you Butts."

Another read: "How are you leaving us like this?

"Was with you just yesterday, don't be drifting too much up there. We love you man."

The girlfriend of civil engineer Mr Hayles, who was from Hawkinge, yesterday paid tribute to her "funny, loving and cheeky" partner.

Floral tributes to the dad-of-two have also been left at the crash scene.