A JUDGE has apologised to family members of former Bradford Bulls commercial officer, Debbie Charlton, after the man accused of causing her death by careless driving had his case adjourned overnight.

Ben Hulme, 34, of Exley Lane, Elland, appeared before Bradford Crown Court today, charged with causing death while driving without due care over the prescribed alcohol limit and with causing death by driving a vehicle while unlicensed and uninsured.

Judge Peter Benson had to adjourn the preliminary hearing until tomorrow because Hulme's solicitors, named by him as Rahman Revelli of Halifax, were not there to represent him.

Hulme, wearing a smart white shirt and dark tie, was readmitted to bail. He must obey a condition of residence and not enter any licensed premises, including shops and supermarkets.

Judge Benson said: "I appreciate, of course that the family are here and it must be agonising to have the matter put on by a day."

Miss Charlton, 44, (pictured) was killed in a crash near Halifax on Valentine’s Day. She served the Bulls for about 15 years in a number of marketing and commercial roles.