A man has appeared in court charged with causing the death of a Weymouth woman while driving under the influence of drugs.

Edgaras Kondratas, aged 40, of Peartree Close, Southampton, appeared at Weymouth Magistrates Court.

He pleaded not guilty to causing death by driving without due care and consideration while over the specified limit for a controlled drug.

The court heard that Kondratas was driving a van in Wooland Gardens, Wyke Regis, Weymouth, on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, and was in collision with a pedestrian in her 90s.

The court heard Sylvia Bentley, a local woman, died at the scene. 

Kondratas was represented by Ieva Giedraityte for the defence, whilst Tara Olney represented the Crown Prosecution Service. The magistrates' bench was chaired by Peter Gibson.

Kondratas was given unconditional bail.

He will next appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday, February 5.