A date has been set for the trial of a pensioner who is accused of killing a motorcyclist by careless driving.

William Searle, aged 73, of Haccombe, near Newton Abbot, did not enter a plea when he appeared before Judge Geoffrey Mercer, QC, at Exeter Crown Court.

He is accused of causing the death of 53-year-old Jerry Daniell by driving his red Mercedes car carelessly on a road outside the Milber Service Station on September 22 last year.

The judge set a provisional trial date of November 7 and a timetable for the exchange of evidence, which may include expert reports about Searle’s eyesight.

Mr Charles Row, defending, said Searle’s licence had been renewed by the DVLA two weeks before the accident.

Mr Daniell’s family sat at the back of the court room throughout the short administrative hearing. Searle was released on bail.