An elderly driver has denied causing death by dangerous driving after his car crashed into a coffee shop on Christmas Eve last year.

David Lord’s lawyer had asked for the plea to be withheld until further medical evidence was obtained, but Judge David Griffith-Jones QC insisted that it be entered.

The 87-year-old is accused of causing the death of Valerie Deakin, 74, when his Audi A4 smashed through a window at Costa Coffee in Westerham.

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The married mother-of-two, from Rye, east Sussex, was sitting near the window in Market Square at about 10.30am with her best friend when the tragedy happened. Her daughter Marie-Ann was in the toilets at the time.

Lord, of Croydon Road, Westerham, and his passenger were among five people injured in the crash which left the car embedded in the side of the building.

Eye witnesses reported seeing people covered in blood as they left the cafe.

VIDEO: David Lord denies causing death by dangerous driving

Wearing a blazer and slacks, diminutive Lord spoke only to be identified at the brief hearing at Maidstone Crown Court today.

At one point he cupped his right ear while straining to hear.

His lawyer Jeffrey Yearwood had asked for the plea to delayed for about two months so that “further avenues” could be investigated.

But Judge Griffith-Jones said: “I am keen to ensure there is no unnecessary delay. There is huge pressure on listing in this court.”

Lord’s bail was continued until his trial, expected to last up to five days, on April 3 next year.

The judge told him: “I am sorry it is so far in the future.”

Mrs Deakin’s husband Paul said of her: “At 10.30am on Christmas Eve, 2015, Val, my lovely wife of 50 years, was enjoying a cuppa inside the Costa Coffee café, Westerham, accompanied by her eldest daughter and best friend.

“The shock and loss are indescribable. Modest, kind, exceedingly hard working and, above all caring, she loved all creatures, great and small with a passion.

"We adored her. Rest in peace.”