A MAN accused of knocking down and killing a grandfather in an alleged hit-and-run incident in Bradford has made his first appearance in court.

Kenneth Parratt, 71, died after being struck by a blue Peugeot Bipper van on Idle Road, Eccleshill, at around 6.25pm on September 23 last year.

Yasser Iqbal, 29, appeared before District Judge Richard Clews at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court yesterday to answer four charges in connection with the crash.

He is charged with causing the death of Mr Parratt by careless or inconsiderate driving, and with causing his death by driving a vehicle without licence or insurance.

He is also accused of dangerous driving and failing to stop after a road accident.

Iqbal, of Norman Grove, Bradford, appeared in the dock with his black hair up in a ponytail dressed in a dark shirt and dark suit.

He spoke to confirm his name and address, before making no indication of plea to the four charges put to him.

Prosecutor Richard Davies said the alleged dangerous driving had taken place after the fatal collision on Idle Road.

Iqbal is said to have driven in a dangerous manner on Myers Lane, Myers Avenue, Radcliffe Avenue, Greenwood Drive, and Milligan Avenue.

Mr Davies said the driving was classed as dangerous due to the damage caused to the windscreen of the vehicle Iqbal is accused of driving.

Police said at the time that the vehicle had been found in a nearby street at around 8pm that night.

District Judge Clews said the alleged matters were not suitable for trial at the lower court.

He told Iqbal: “The allegations against you are too serious to be dealt with here, and all future hearings with take place at the Crown Court.”

Amjad Khan, for Iqbal, made no representations against the case being transferred to the higher court.

Iqbal was given unconditional bail ahead of a hearing at Bradford Crown Court on Tuesday, May 23.

Mr Parratt was treated by paramedics at the scene of the crash but was pronounced dead a short time later.

The scene at Idle Road, near the junction with Myers Lane and close to the Swing Gate pub, was cordoned off for around five hours.

Floral tributes were left at the scene, including one that read: “Rest in peace, Grandad. Taken from us too soon.”