A 22-year-old man has been accused of causing the death by dangerous driving of a teenage motorcyclist.

James Dye originally faced a lesser charge of causing the death of Ismael Martinan-Brittain by careless or inconsiderate driving.

The more serious charge was added when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court by TV link with Elmley Prison yesterday.

He was not asked to enter a plea after his lawyer indicated there would be an application to dismiss.

Dye, of Rainham Road, Gillingham, did, however, enter not guilty pleas to causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving and driving while unlicensed or disqualified.

Ismael, 19, from St Mary’s Island, was fatally injured in a crash with a Ford Focus car in Princes Avenue, Chatham, near the junction with Heron Way, on Tuesday, January 2.

The application for dismissal will be heard on March 23. A trial date was set for June 18.

Judge Charles Macdonald QC refused an application for bail.

After the accident, Ismael’s mother Maria Brittain said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news that our wonderful son has been killed in an incident on Princes Avenue, Chatham.

“Ismael was a good son who was dedicated to his loving family, his motorcycles and the gym.

“Ismael was born in Spain and moved to Gravesend at the age of three where he attended St John’s Primary School before moving onto St John Fisher for his secondary education.

“Ismael was a popular young man and made friends easily and still had close friends from his primary school.

“He was a loving son who kept family his priority in life and would do anything for his family and friends.

“We have had relatives travel from Spain to be with us at this tragic time.

“Ismael will be missed with a heavy heart everyday by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.”