A driver accused of causing the death of a teenage girl in a crash nine years ago has made a brief appearance at Maidstone Crown Court today.

Zahid Masood, of Heron Way, Rochester, is charged with causing the death of Charlotte Smoker by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice.

The 19-year-old air hostess, of Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, was fatally injured in a collision on the M25 near junction 4 on November 3 2003.

Charlotte, who was driving a Fiat Cinquecento, died the next day.

Masood, 47, was remanded in custody until January 18 next year, when he will enter pleas.

A provisional trial date was set for April 29.