A 20-year-old man has appeared in court accused of causing the death of a Harwich teenager in an horrific car crash.

James Hore

A 20-year-old man has appeared in court accused of causing the death of a Harwich teenager in an horrific car crash.

Ryan Ellmore is accused of causing the death of 17-year-old Charlotte Blackburn in Main Road, Dovercourt in the early hours of May 25.

Ellmore appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court this afternoon for a short hearing.

The electrical engineer of Devon Way, Dovercourt faces a charge of causing death by dangerous driving and another charge of failing to stop and report an accident.

Dressed in a smart grey suit, he spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

No pleas were entered and the case has been adjourned to Chelmsford Crown Court in December.

Ellmore was granted conditional bail, which prevents him from leaving his house between 7pm and 5am; bans him from driving and prevents him from entering licensed premises, including supermarkets and newsagents within two postcodes.

The court was packed with members of both Ellmore and Miss Blackburn's family for the hearing which was completed within two minutes.