A MAN has denied causing the death of a pedestrian through dangerous and careless driving.

Steven Lee, 36, entered his pleas in court on Tuesday after he was charged in connection with the death of Ryan Lynch, 29.

Mr Lynch tragically died of his injuries after he was hit by a white Audi R8 in South Street, Braintree, last year.

The car had allegedly mounted the pavement at around 3.30pm on Sunday, April 8, before the collision occurred.

Mr Lynch, who was from the town, died from his injuries a week later in hospital.

Police arrested two men following the incident and after a year-long investigation charged Lee, of Willingale Road, Braintree, with causing death by dangerous driving and death by careless driving.

He denied both charges during a plea and trial preparation hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court, which was attended by members of Mr Lynch’s family.

A trial date has now been fixed for June 29, 2020.

It had originally been set for August but was moved forward by Judge Charles Gratwicke who stated it would be in “everybody’s interests” for the case to be heard “as soon as possible”.

CCTV evidence is expected to be produced during the trial which Alex Kettle-Williams, prosecuting, said is expected to last three to four days.

Lee was released on conditional bail at the end of the hearing and will return to court next year.

Following his death last year, Mr Lynch’s parents led the tributes to their son.

In a statement they said: “Ryan was a dearly loved son, brother, uncle, partner and truly was a great friend to anyone who knew him.

“He enjoyed travelling, keeping fit, cycling, archery, cinema and anything to do with Star Wars and Marvel.

“All his family members and friends will greatly miss Ryan very much.”

Brother Daniel went on to raise more than £4,000 for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance in honour of Mr Lynch in the months after his death.

An air ambulance came to Mr Lynch’s aid in the moments after the collision and treated him at the scene before transferring him to hospital.

Flowers left in memory of Mr Lynch can still be seen at the scene of his death in South Street.