A FELIXSTOWE businessman who was involved in a crash which left a teenage girl seriously injured in hospital was today formally charged with dangerous driving.

A FELIXSTOWE businessman who was involved in a crash which left a teenage girl seriously injured in hospital was today formally charged with dangerous driving.

Peter Whalley, 35, who was dressed smartly in a dark suit did not enter a plea to the charge at South East Suffolk Magistrates Court in Ipswich.

His court appearance follows a road accident on Garrison Lane in Felixstowe on December 8 where former Deben High School student Vicky Kelcher was crushed against a wall.

At an earlier hearing Whalley, of Princes Gardens, was also charged with drink driving and an alternative charge of careless driving.

Pat Taylor, representing the Crown Prosecution Service at the Elm Street court, outlined the facts to magistrates adding: "This is a serious matter, more suitable to be dealt with in the Crown Court."

The 35-year-old was driving an X-reg Mercedes estate car when the accident happened.

Whalley was released on unconditional bail and his case was adjourned until Tuesday, February 26,when he is due before magistrates again.

The accident left Vicky, of Chaucer Road, Felixstowe, in hospital with serious leg and pelvic injuries. She had been walking with her boyfriend Ty Freer at the time of her accident.

Whalley owns Bonds Wine Bar with his wife Sarah and the Old Millers Pub and Restaurant which are both on the sea front in Undercliff Road West, Felixstowe.