A MOTORIST accused of causing the deaths while on drugs of an elderly couple in a car crash has appeared in court.

Kristiyan Trendafilov, 27, is charged with causing the deaths by dangerous driving of Sussex couple Shirley Reygate and Alan Reygate, both in their 80s, on the A228 near Tonbridge, Kent.

Trendafilov, of Tunbridge Wells, is also charged with being over the drug limit, with cannabis in his bloodstream, and driving his Toyota Avensis without due care and attention in October 2018.

He appeared on bail at Medway Magistrates’ Court.

Chairman of the bench, Ashley Lawrence, sent the case to Maidstone Crown Court, to be heard next month.

Mr and Mrs Reygate, formerly from Ninfield near Bexhill in Sussex, were airlifted to hospital following the late night collision.

Mrs Reygate died four days later while her husband passed away three months in January last year.

Trendafilov was released on unconditional bail for a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday July 10.