The driver injured in a fatal road crash that killed his own brother on Thursday evening had been due to be sentenced for dangerous driving today.

Jake Pedrick-Harvey, 22, was scheduled to appear before a judge at Canterbury Crown Court at 10am.

But his lawyer Nick Jones told Recorder Philip Engleman that Pedrick-Harvey was in hospital in London “following a very serious fatal road accident” in Spitfire Way, Manston.

Mr Jones told the judge that the man who died when a Vauxhall Corsa struck a tree was Pedrick-Harvey’s brother, believed to be in his 30s.

Pedrick-Harvey, formerly of Poets Corner, Margate and now at Kenton Gardens, Minster, was to be sentenced for driving dangerously in Dane Road, Margate, in January this year.

The hearing was adjourned for two weeks.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene of the smash which happened at about 9.20pm.

Police, ambulance and fire crews were called to reports that a red Vauxhall Corsa travelling towards Minster had swerved off the road and ploughed into trees.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, the man could not be saved.

Police have launched an appeal for anyone who saw the car just before the crash to come forward.

Witnesses are asked to call the serious collision investigation unit appeal line on 01622 798538 quoting reference 14-1473.