A LORRY driver has denied murdering Rudheath father-of-one David Parsonage in a road crash.

John Gareth Stubbs, of Penny's Lane, Lach Dennis, pleaded not guilty when he appeared at Chester Crown Court yesterday.

Stubbs, 24, spoke only to confirm his name and enter a not guilty plea to the charge. His father was present in court and he secured the £8,000 surety for his son's bail.

Stubbs was charged in relation to an incident on Monday, July 25, in which 37-year-old Mr Parsonage died. Mr Parsonage was travelling along the Manchester-bound carriageway of the A556 when his white Ford Orion left the road.

The case was adjourned for trial in February. Stubbs was released on conditional bail.