A van driver has denied causing the death of a pedestrian on the A420 two years ago.

Prosecutors say that Dimche Kuzevski was not insured to drive the 57-plate VW Crafter van when he struck 56-year-old Antony Whitter, from Gloucestershire, near Tubney on September 1, 2020.

Appearing before Oxford Crown Court on Thursday morning, Kuzevski, 59, of Bailey Road, Oxford, pleaded not guilty to causing death by driving whilst uninsured.

The charge alleges that he was driving the vehicle while ‘uninsured or unsecured against third-party risks’.

The defendant is expected to say he was driving in the course of his employment and believed he was insured.

Speaking to the defendant through a Macedonian interpreter, Judge Nigel Daly bailed him for the trial next year. The week-long trial is expected to begin on September 11.

Two members of Mr Whitter’s family attended the short plea hearing remotely, via a video link to court.

Simon Wilshire represented the Crown Prosecution Service. Emma Hornby appeared for the defendant.

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

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