Flowers are left at the scene of the fatal crash in Maidstone

A man has appeared in court charged with causing death by dangerous driving after a New Year's Day crash which killed one man and left a woman fighting for her life.

Valdis Labeckis, 21, of Old Tovil Road, Maidstone was arrested after the crash at the junction between Postley Road and Old Tovil Road at 2.30am yesterday.

He was later charged with causing death by dangerous driving and dangerous driving, and appeared at Maidstone Magistrates Court today.

A wall is damaged after the crash

Latvian national Labeckis, who had a Russian interpreter in court, did not enter a plea. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday, January 9.

The accident happened when the BMW mounted the kerb and hit two pedestrians, who were walking back from New Year's Eve celebrations.

A man in his thirties was pronounced dead at the scene. His girlfriend suffered serious injuries, and is in a serious but stable condition in Kings College Hospital in London.

Detective Sergeant Scott Lynch of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "Although there have been developments in this case and a person has been charged we are still keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident. Witnesses are asked to contact police on 01622 798538."