A motorist has appeared in court accused of causing serious injuries to a pedestrian after he was hit by a car.

Jamie Sutton was at the wheel of a grey Audi when Michael Piper was hurt in Northdown Road, Cliftonville in April.

At the time of the incident, the road was closed for some time so the emergency services could deal with the crash scene.

Mr Piper was taken to Kings College Hospital in London for treatment for multiple injuries.

Sutton, 28, was later charged with causing serious injury by careless driving but denied the allegation when he appeared before magistrates in Margate on November 13.

The court heard Sutton, of Northdown Road, Cliftonville, had also been charged with drug driving after the incident on April 18.

He did not enter a plea in relation to the drug driving charge and the case was adjourned and sent to the crown court to be dealt with.

Julie Farbrace, prosecuting, said: “The incident happened in Northdown Road and a pedestrian was injured.

“We [the CPS] say he was driving too fast for that road and we also allege he was over the limit for drugs, which was cannabis.

“The case is not suitable to be heard in this court and should be sent to the crown court.”

Magistrates agreed the offence was too serious to be dealt with in the magistrates’ court and sent the case to Canterbury Crown Court.

Sutton was granted bail until his next appearance - on December 16.