Van driver in fatal crash with cyclist faces drug charge

22-year-old in court accused of causing tragedy

A van driver is alleged to have been taking cocaine before he knocked down and killed a cyclist, a court has heard.

Joseph Bills, 22, is accused of having more than double the legal limit of benzoylecgonine – the major metabolite of the Class A drug – in his system at the time of the fatal crash.

He is also alleged to have been over the drink-drive limit when his Vauxhall Vivaro van struck Dave Thorman’s bike in Canterbury Road, Whitstable.

Bills appeared before magistrates on Tuesday charged with a string of offences connected to the death of the 35-year-old chef.

Mr Thorman, who was cycling home from work to Tankerton at 8.30pm on March 10, was pro- nounced dead near the junction with Saddleton Road, Whitstable.

Bills is alleged to have driven dangerously away from the scene of the crash, before returning and being arrested at 9.50pm.

He underwent tests and is accused of having 59 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of his breath - the legal limit is 35.

He is also alleged to have had 122 micrograms of benzoylecgonine per litre of his blood – more than double the legal limit of 50.

Benzoylecgonine is detected in the system of people who have recently taken cocaine.

Bills appeared at Margate Magistrates’ Court charged with causing death by dangerous driving and while over the legal alcohol and drugs limits.

He is also charged with failing to stop after the crash and driving dangerously as he left the scene.

He spoke only to confirm his name and address and did not enter any pleas.

Magistrates released him on bail to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on October 24.

David Thorman died in the crash