A driver accused of causing death by driving after a young dad was killed has appeared in court for the first time.

Passenger Owen Tagg, 21, died in a crash in Deal in October 2022 after a red Volkswagen Polo collided with a wall in Hamilton Road.

Yesterday, driver Jack Nixon, 25, appeared in the dock for a first hearing at Folkestone Magistrates Court after the crash nearly two years ago.

The case has now been passed to crown court.

Victori Aked, prosecuting, told the court: “The car collided with a brick wall. Owen Tagg was pronounced dead.

“This is the first time the matter has come into the court system.”

In the brief hearing Judge William Nelson released Nixon, of Cannon Street, Deal, on bail and adjourned the case to be heard at Canterbury Crown Court on August 19.

He told Nixon: “This is too serious for it to be dealt with in this court. “

No pleas were yet entered but Nixon faces five charges directly relating to the crash and one over a separate incident.

Firstly causing death by driving without due care and attention and being over the drink-drive limit. The charge sheet says he had 87 to 191 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of his blood. The limit is 80.

Secondly, he is accused of causing the death while driving without the licence needed and no insurance.

The court heard he only had a provisional licence.

Mr Tagg had been a back seat passenger and other passengers had been injured.

A third and fourth charge are that Nixon caused serious injury to Natalie Hubbard and Morgan Peay by driving without due care and attention.

The fifth is that he caused death by driving without due care and attention, and at a time when he was unfit to drive through drugs. The court heard that he had allegedly taken cannabis.

Nixon also faces a sixth charge of dangerous driving that same day in Watling Street, Canterbury.

Tributes were paid to Mr Tagg, from Aylesham, following his death.

His girlfriend Emy May said: "Never thought in a million years I’d be writing this. Heaven took another angel today. You was my soulmate and more.

"I really wish you're at peace watching over us all.

"I can’t describe the pain I’m feeling.

"Waiting for you to come bouncing through the door with your big smile. What I would do to see you one last time. Sleep tight my angel won’t be long before I’m with you. Love you forever and always."

Taking to Facebook, Shelbea Deary said: "Can’t get my head round this. Going to miss you loads Owen Tagg. Love you mate. Rest in peace."

Also posting on the social site, Anthony King said: "I’m in absolute shock to be reading this awful news.

"Owen was such a nice young man he was my apprentice for a short time. I had nothing but admiration for him.

"My condolences go out to his friends and family especially to that of his girlfriend knowing they had a young child."