A man is to stand trial after denying causing death by dangerous driving.

Anthony Brown appeared at Preston Crown Court this morning (Monday, February 26), charged with causing the death of 74-year-old grandfather, Harry Boothby, in a crash in October 2022.

Brown, 42, of Rising Bridge Road, Rising Bridge, is accused of causing the death by dangerous driving of Mr Boothby, while he was driving his Mercedes-Benz Vito van on the A6068 at Hapton.

Mr Boothby, from Padiham, was driving his Volkswagen Passat on the motorway link road when a crash with the van being driven by Brown, happened at about 7.40pm on October 29, 2022.

Brown, who was wearing a blue suit, white shirt, and tie, stood in the dock and spoke only to confirm his name and enter his not guilty plea.

A trial, estimated to last four days, is due to commence on January 13, 2025.

Brown has been told to return to court for a pre-trial review hearing on November 18.

He was granted unconditional bail until that date.

An investigation was launched by Lancashire Police following the crash, in Higher Shuttleworth, which leads to junction eight of the M65.

Police at the time said that Mr Boothby died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash and that Brown was also seriously hurt as a result.

In a tribute in 2022, the family of Mr Boothby thanked passing motorists who assisted him at the time and the emergency services.

The family’s tribute read: “We would like to thank the witnesses that stopped to help our dad and the emergency services that attended to him on Saturday.

“We would also like to thank the police liaison officer who has given us support through this difficult time.

“Thank you for all the support from our friends and extended families.

“We are devastated as a family, and he will be greatly missed by his children and grandchildren.”