A BRADFORD man alleged to be the driver of a car which struck and killed a pedestrian as he made his way home today appeared in court accused of causing death by dangerous driving.

Well-built, bearded Majid Malik, 27, faced Leeds Magistrates' Court.

Malik, who was dressed in a black T-shirt with Armani Jeans printed on the front and grey tracksuit bottoms, was flanked by two security officers in the glass-fronted secure dock during the 30-minute hearing.

Malik, of Silverhill Avenue, Bradford Moor, is charged with causing the death of James Gilbey by dangerous driving on the A647 Stanningley Road shortly before midnight on Monday, July 13.

Asked if he understood the charge he nodded and replied: “Yes.”

The court was told it was an indictable only offence and had to be dealt with by the Crown Court.

Malik is also charged with failing to stop and report an accident.

Prosecutor Miss Ayesha Smart asked for the case to be sent straight to the Crown Court and applied for Malik to be remanded in custody.

Solicitor Miss Anita Banergie, representing Malik, applied for bail on his behalf.

Miss Banergie asked the court for Malik to be granted bail with conditions, including reporting to police and a curfew.

During the hearing Malik sat with his arms folded, nodding his head when his solicitor spoke.

Deputy District Judge Michelle Jeffreys rejected the bail application and remanded Malik into custody.

He will next appear at Leeds Crown Court on July 31.

The investigating police officer, Detective Constable Richard Smith, was in court for the hearing, as were several family and friends of the defendant.

Mr Gilbey, 25, was fatally injured when he was struck by a blue Volkswagen Golf shortly before midnight on Monday evening.

Mr Gilbey was returning home after a night out with a friend when the accident occurred as he crossed Stanningley Road on a pedestrian crossing.

Police made a number of public appeals in relation to the accident and Malik handed himself in at a police station in response to the witness appeals.

The driver of another vehicle, an Audi A5 which was said to be travelling in convoy with the Golf at the time, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

The 28-year-old Bradford man today remained in police custody.

Seven other men, aged between 23 and 29, who were also arrested as part of police inquiries into the incident, have since been released on bail for further inquiries.

The Senior Investigation Officer is Detective Chief Inspector Elizabeth Belton, of the Homicide and Major Enquiries Team.

Det Chief Insp Belton has thanked the public for their response to police appeals for information.

She added: “I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathies to the family of James, who are still trying to come to terms with their loss. Our specially trained officers will continue to provide the family with support at this very difficult time.”