A lorry driver from Blacon, accused of causing death by dangerous driving after a pile-up on the M53 motorway, has appeared in court.

Mark Done, 51, died and his partner and front-seat passenger suffered back injuries in the M53 crash on September 30 last year.

Peter Tootle, 61, of Naomi Close, Blacon, Chester, is charged with causing Mr Done’s death and serious injury to another man by dangerous driving.

The charges follow an incident near the junction 4 turn-off for Bebington, in which it is alleged Tootle’s Volvo lorry collided with the rear of a stationery car queuing in traffic on the southbound lane, shunting it into nine other vehicles, at around 10.20am.

The driver of the Citroen car, Mark Simon Done, died from his injuries and another driver, Paul Johnson, suffered serious injuries and later underwent surgery.

A number of other passengers were treated for minor injuries.

The tailback on the M53 had been caused by a separate incident on the motorway earlier that morning.

Tootle spoke only to confirm his personal details during a brief hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, September 3.

Mike Stephenson, prosecuting, said a provisional trial, estimated to last four to five days, has been set for February 1 next year.

Judge David Aubrey, QC, said the defendant would next appear for a plea and case management hearing on November 30.

The judge remanded Tootle on bail.