THE trial of a man accused of the death of a pensioner who was hit by a BMW while walking has been adjourned at the last minute.

Thomas Keeley, 22, was due to go on trial at Teesside Crown Court accused of causing the death of Sid Sarbutts by careless driving in Great Ayton, North Yorkshire.

But the court was told that a joint experts’ report in the case had only been delivered late on Friday and had yet to be assessed properly by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Prosecutor Paul Newcombe asked that the case be adjourned for a mention on June 4 saying it was in the interests of all parties for a period of “careful and cool reflection” to take place.

Judge Stephen Ashurst suggested the case could be brought forward from that date if appropriate, but agreed to dispense with the trial for now and bailed Mr Keeley, of Levenside, Great Ayton.

The 80-year-old victim, a grandfather and member of the local Conservative club, was described in tributes left at the crash scene as a “true gentleman”.

The fatal collision occurred near to the Buck pub, in the village, in the early evening of November 7, 2016.