THE mother and brother of a man accused of murdering Kent taxi driver Gian Chand Bajar have appeared before a crown court judge.

At a brief hearing on Friday, Annette Aujila, 42, of Dorchester Road, Gravesend, and Thomas Aujila, 25, of Gordon Road, Northfleet, spoke only to confirm their identities.

Janet Garnons-Williams, prosecuting, told Maidstone Crown Court that both are charged with perverting the course of justice in relation to the murder of father-of-five Mr Bajar.

The 71-year-old community figure was found lying seriously injured in St Benedict’s Avenue, Gravesend, late in the evening of May 23. He had been run over by his own car. He later died at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford.

Luke Aujila, 20, also of Dorchester Road, Gravesend, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday, June 11, accused of murder. He was remanded in custody until August 13, when he is expected to enter a plea to the charge.

Annette Aujila and Thomas Aujila were released on unconditional bail by Judge Andrew Patience QC until the same date.