Trial date set in PC death case

A TRIAL date has been set for the Sheffield motorist accused of causing the death of South Yorkshire’s PC Hassan Ali.

Waqas Khan, aged 23 and of Balfour Road, Darnall, pleaded not guilty to causing death by careless driving as he made his first appearance at Sheffield Crown Court this month.

He had previously denied causing death by driving without due care and attention at a hearing at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court last month, when he opted to have his case heard at Sheffield Crown Court.

The Sheffield Hallam University student was informed at that point that the nature of the alleged offence meant the case could be heard at the Magistrates’ Court if he had wished it to be.

Judge Julian Goose QC granted Khan unconditional bail until the trial, which will begin on 15 February.

The case is expected to last for two days.

Khan, wearing a dark blue pin-striped suit jacket, white shirt and black loafer shoes, only spoke to confirm his name.

A Vauxhall Corsa driven by Khan was involved in a collision with PC Ali on 28 January 2015 on Staniforth Road, Darnall. PC Ali died in hospital from his injuries on 6 February.