A bus driver accused of killing a pedestrian is expected to argue there was a mechanical problem with his single-decker when it crashed into a shelter, trapping a man underneath.

Paul Kirby pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving as he appeared before Canterbury Court on Tuesday for a pre-trial hearing.

The 65-year-old was at the wheel of the Stagecoach 103 bus when it collided with a shelter at Folkestone bus station on August 20, 2022.

The collision left pedestrian John Spearpoint - who had been waiting to catch a service from the Middelburg Square stop – trapped underneath.

He was airlifted to King’s College Hospital in London where he underwent emergency surgery, but his condition deteriorated and he died eight days later.

Two years after the crash Kent Police charged Kirby, of Hillend Place, Northern Moor, Manchester, with causing the death.

Speaking in Kirby’s defence at Tuesday’s hearing, Oliver Kirk said: “There was a mechanical defect within the bus that the defendant was unaware of.

“The prosecution’s case is that he pushed on the accelerator, and then doubled down when the bus went through the barrier.

“But the defendant maintains that he did not have his foot on the accelerator.”

Judge Simon James set a trial date for March 14, 2025, telling the court: “It’s further in the future than is desirable, but I’m afraid it’s the best that we can do.”

An inquest into Mr Spearpoint’s death was opened and adjourned in September 2022. It heard how the pensioner was left trapped under the shelter for 45 minutes following the crash.

Coroner Katrina Hepburn said Mr Spearpoint, of Bonsor Road in Folkestone, died as a result of multiple organ failure caused by complications from the crash injury.

Following the crash a Stagecoach spokesman said: "Our heart goes out to the family of the gentleman who has died and to his loved ones.”

Until his trial begins, Kirby will remain on unconditional bail, with no restrictions on his driving privileges.