Man denies charges including causing death by dangerous driving over fatal collision in Ramsgate’s Leopold Street

Kent Police renews appeal for witnesses including a motorcyclist who was at the scene

Tributes left at the scene of the collision in Leopold Street

A man charged with causing the deaths of a woman and her father and seriously injuring a child and a man when a car hit a family of five in Ramsgate has appeared via videolink at Canterbury Crown Court today (August 22).

A young boy also suffered minor injuries in the incident in Leopold Street on August 10.

At a pre-trial preparatory hearing Nitesh Bissendary, 30, of Highlands Glade, Manston pleaded not guilty to two charges of causing death by dangerous driving, two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

No pleas were entered for further charges of failing to stop at the scene of a collision, drug-driving and failing to provide a sample for analysis.

A provisional trial date is set for 28 November and the next hearing will be a pre-trial review on 15 November.

Mr Bissendary was remanded in custody.

A 58-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and possession with intent to supply class A drugs remain on bail pending further enquiries until Thursday 8 September.

Renewed police appeal

Emergency services were called to Leopold Street following the incident which tragically ended two lives and left a little girl seriously injured

Police are renewing their appeal for witnesses to the incident which happened outside the multi-storey car park in Leopold Street at around 9.35pm on Wednesday 10 August when the black Alfa Romeo car was involved in the collision with the family of five.

As part of their ongoing enquiries into the collision, officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are continuing to appeal for witnesses and in particular would like to identify a motorcyclist who was in the area at the time as they may have important information.

The motorcyclist, who was wearing a black helmet, is believed to have turned into Leopold Street from the direction of Harbour Parade at the point of the collision before travelling towards Queen Street. The vehicle is described as a cruiser-style bike with a full-length chrome exhaust.

Officers are also appealing for anyone to come forward who was in the area from 8.30pm and may have dashcam footage which could assist.

Any other witnesses or local businesses with CCTV evidence are also encouraged to call the appeal line on 01622 798538 quoting reference DS/DGC/090/22.

Earlier this month a vigil was held in Leopold Street to pay respects to Noga Sella, 40,and her father Yoram Hirshfeld, 78, who died in the incident. The young girl and Noga’s husband were taken to a London hospital to be treated for serious injuries.