Footballer remanded on death crash charges

West Bromwich Albion striker Lee Hughes appeared in court today charged with causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop after an accident.

The 27-year-old footballer was ordered to reappear at Coventry Crown Court on February 6 for a plea and directions hearing.

Judge Richard Cole granted the married father of one conditional bail at the end of today’s five-minute preliminary hearing.

Hughes, dressed in a dark suit, white checked shirt and lilac tie, spoke only to confirm his name and address.

The charges against Hughes, of Leymere Close, Meriden, West Midlands, relate to a fatal accident on the outskirts of Coventry in the early hours of November 23.

The collision involved his silver Mercedes CL55 coupe and a Renault Megane.

A back seat passenger in the Megane, 56-year-old Douglas Graham from Coventry, died instantly.