A MAN who killed a pedestrian by dangerous driving was high on cocaine while behind the wheel, a court has heard. 

Aaron Clare admitted to killing Kevin Burgess on the Bath Road in Southcote on May 23, 2020. 

The 33-year-old caused Mr Burgess’s death by dangerous driving as he was being pursued by police. 

The incident occured when Clare failed to stop for police and crashed into Mr Burgess, who was aged 41 at the time.

READ MORE: Richard Bacon among latest residents to appear in the dock

Following a Magistrates’ court hearing last month, Clare appeared in Crown Court this morning (October 25) via video link from HMP Coldingley in Surrey. 

Here, he pleaded guilty to a charge of causing death by dangerous driving but not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving whilst disqualified. 

The prosecution acknowledged Clare was disqualified from driving and driving under the influence of cocaine at the time of the incident. 

READ MORE: Woman asked for cash from strangers to visit sick baby in hospital

They agreed for the second count to lie on file and His Honour Judge Nawaz was told that a charge for driving under the influence was never brought forward, despite a toxicology report indicating a positive result for cocaine.

Clare’s sentencing was adjourned to Friday, November 12 to allow Mr Burgess’s family to make victim statements. 

He was remanded in custody following the court hearing.