A Bradford motorist who was responsible for a car crash in which two women were injured is set to be the subject of a legal argument later this year.

Andrew Stranney, 28, of Naseby Rise, Queensbury, has pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving arising out of an incident in Great Horton Road, Bradford, on March 10 last year.

Stranney, who was driving a Renault Clio, has denied further allegations of assault occasioning actual bodily which relate to the injuries suffered by Alysa Waugh and Charlotte Horan in the crash.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC granted Stranney bail until his sentence hearing, which is expected to take place in March, but the court heard there could be a legal argument about whether it was appropriate to charge him with the assault matters.

An offence of dangerous driving carries a maximum jail term of two years and there have been calls for it to be increased.

Stranney's barrister, Stephen Wood, told Judge Durham Hall he had submitted a written argument outlining their challenge to the assault charges, but stressed his client was only denying the offences on legal advice.

"That is not to say that he denies causing the injuries that these two young people sustained,'' said Mr Wood.

"'The only issue in this case is whether counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm contrary to the Offences Against the Person Act are appropriate in the circumstances.

"If the reality here is these charges have been chosen because the prosecution don't believe the maximum sentence (for dangerous driving) is appropriate, I submit that's an abuse of their process.'' Judge Durham Hall said the issue arising out of the case was of such importance that the Crown Prosecution Service should consider instructing counsel to research the matter fully in time for the next hearing in March.

Mr Wood said the case could have wider implications for the prosecution's charging standards nationally and Judge Durham Hall echoed that by suggesting the issue involved had "immense ramifications''.

Stranney will have to return to the crown court in the week commencing March 5.

Judge Durham Hall told him: "You've pleaded guilty to count one. We will have to see whether the law permits the court to proceed only on that."

He said he was going to ask the probation service to prepare a report in time for March 5, because the factual reality was quite clear and Stranney admitted what had happened.

"I have to warn you Mr Stranney that on any view the court will view this extremely seriously. I can give no indication of sentence,'' he added.