A man charged with causing the death of a teenager by dangerous driving has appeared before Medway magistrates.

During a brief appearance this morning, Kieran Simpson was committed to crown court to be dealt with.

The 18-year-old is accused of causing the death of Jack Burmingham in a crash on the A2 in Newington.

It was the first time Simpson, of Gladwyn Close, Rainham, has been named.

This is because officers issued him with a court summons last month, rather than formally charging him at a police station. He did not enter a plea to the charge during the short hearing today.

Jack, a former pupil at The Howard School in Rainham, died when the white Mitsubishi L200 truck he was travelling in crashed just before 10pm on Thursday, May 18, near the junction with Playstool Road.

The vehicle hit a parked car and ended up in a front garden.

Three other people suffered injuries and were taken to hospital.

At the time of his death, his former teachers paid tribute to the 17-year-old.

Jack lived with his parents Mark and Kerry and younger sister Abbey in Plomley Close, Rainham.

He left The Howard School at the end the 2015 academic year.

Assistant head teacher Julie Parish said he was a "likeable and popular young man".

Ms Parish said the whole school community was in shock over his death.

She added: "Many of us taught him and remember him as a likeable and popular young man.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Jack’s family and friends, and with all those who knew and loved him."

In the days after his death, more than £4,000 was raised on an online fundraising page for Jack's family.

Simpson will appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday, January 9, and has been granted bail until then.