Man in court accused of killing two cyclists in Gravesend crash

A man has been appeared in court accused of killing two cyclists and injuring another in a crash in Kent.

Aaron Turner, 22, from St Patrick's Gardens in Gravesend, was bailed after appearing by video link at Medway Magistrates' Court charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

Natasha Lewis, 51, and Stephen Anscombe, 60, died of "traumatic and catastrophic" injuries in the crash near Gravesend on Sunday, and the third cyclist was treated in hospital, the court heard.

Turner is accused of having "lost control" of his white Ford Focus while travelling south-west near the village of Sole Street at about 07:45 BST.

In addition to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, Turner has been charged with failing to stop at the scene of a crash and possession of a class C drug.

A 21-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and a 19-year-old woman who was detained on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released on police bail.

Turner spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth during Wednesday's court appearance.

He is next due to appear at Woolwich Crown Court on 7 October.

Prosecutor Dylan Bradshaw said the three cyclists had been on a "training cycle ride" prior to a "very long cycle ride" they were planning overseas.

He added that Anscombe left behind his wife and two daughters while Lewis was survived by her 23-year-old daughter, who also lost her father in 2019.

Investigators are asking anyone who saw the car or cyclists before the incident, or who witnessed the crash near the junction of Sole Street and Round Street, to contact them.

They also appealed for members of the public with CCTV or dashcam footage to get in touch.

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