Driver in court after walkers injured

A 40-year-old man has been remanded in custody by a special court in Telford for allegedly injuring four pedestrians, one seriously, with his car in Broseley.

Roy Warren Dietrich, of Benthall View, Madeley, appeared at a special bank holiday court before a magistrate in Telford yesterday.

He will next appear before Telford Magistrates Court tomorrow.

The case follows an incident in Broseley High Street at 2.30am on Saturday when four men walking back from a pub were injured in a collision with a Fiat Brava.

Part-time firefighter Lee Pearsall, 23, of Spring Meadow, Sutton Hill, Telford, was taken unconscious to the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford before being airlifted to the North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary in Stoke.

Mr Pearsall, who suffered a swelling to his brain and a shattered arm, underwent emergency surgery. His condition was today described as "critical but stable".

His friend Simon Jordan, 23, who works with him as a retained firefighter at Tweedale Fire Station, was also injured, as were Jamie Wilmore and Steve Perks.

At yesterday's hearing, the charges were read out to Dietrich but he gave no indication of plea. He is accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr Pearsall on May 23 and of assaulting Mr Perks, Mr Jordan and Mr Wilmore causing actual bodily harm.

Dietrich is further charged with driving a Fiat Brava dangerously on the B4375 High Street in Broseley and of driving after consuming excess alcohol.

The case was adjourned and Dietrich made no application for bail.

Police are appealing for witnesses to call them on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.