Trial date set after pedestrians hit by car

A provisional trial date has been set for a man accused of driving a car into a group of pedestrians in Derby city centre.

Seven people were seriously injured when they were hit by a black Suzuki Swift in Friar Gate at about 21:30 GMT on 28 March.

Sandhu Ponnachan, 36, of Chariot Close in Alvaston, Derby, was charged earlier this month with six counts of grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent and one count of attempted GBH with intent, one count of dangerous driving, and one count of possession of a bladed article.

He was not asked to enter a plea at Derby Crown Court, where Judge Shaun Smith KC set a provisional trial date for 28 September, with a review hearing in July.

Derbyshire Police previously said four men and three women, aged between 36 and 52, suffered serious but non life-threatening injuries.

Prosecutor Hugh Davies KC said any future trial would likely last "two weeks".

Ponnachan, dressed in a grey jumper and tracksuit bottoms, only spoke to confirm his name via a video-link from HMP Manchester.

Judge Shaun Smith KC told Ponnachan he will return to Derby Crown Court on 10 July for a review hearing.

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