A Hampshire lorry driver accused of causing the death of an 87-year-old man in a crash at a petrol station forecourt has appeared in court.

Martyn Stephen Dear, pictured, pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Bournemouth pensioner Alan Levene by careless or inconsiderate driving, when he appeared at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court.

During Monday’s brief hearing Dear, of Hunters Crescent, Romsey, opted for his trial to be held at Bournemouth Crown Court.

The 32-year-old appeared in the dock wearing a blue and white striped shirt and black trousers.

The case was sent to Bournemouth Crown Court, where Dear is next due to appear on July 24.

Mr Levene, formerly of Charnwood Avenue, was involved in a collision with an articulated Co-operative distribution lorry on November 6 last year.

The incident took place at the Total service station in Castle Lane West, Winton, at about 4.30pm.

He was taken to Poole Hospital with serious injuries and died three weeks later.

Following his death, friends and neighbours paid tribute to the pensioner.

Jackie Metcalfe, 56, said: “He was such a lovely neighbour as he was ever so friendly and always came over to speak to us and have a chat.”

Gordon Kent-Smith, 72, said: “He always seemed to be very helpful and kind whenever I saw him.”