A man has appeared in court charged with murder over the death of a 51-year-old man who was run down with his own car in Erith.

It is alleged by prosecutors that Errol Woodger, 37, robbed Marc Allen of his car before driving into him, causing him to be thrown over the Mercedes GLA.

Mr Allen suffered fatal head injuries when he tried to challenge the suspected thief on his driveway on Peareswood Road in Erith in December 2019.

He was taken to King’s College Hospital in south London where he was placed into a coma.

He died a month later on January 29, 2020.

During a short hearing at the Old Bailey, prosecutors said Mr Allen had disturbed the burglar who had stolen the keys to his car.

Mr Allen had gone out to try and stop his car being taken when it was reversed over him, and driven into him again as Woodger tried to make his escape, it is alleged.

The collision caused Mr Allen to go over the top of the vehicle, the court heard.

Woodger, of Mottisfont Road, Abbey Wood, south east London, spoke only to confirm his age and identity.

He was remanded in custody, with a trial date set for March 2025.