A MAN is charged with stealing a car and causing a crash which left another motorist with serious injuries.

Jason Howsego, 34, Gideons Way, Stanford-le-Hope, is charged with stealing a Mercedes and driving it dangerously in Southend Road, Corringham, causing an accident.

He is also charged with driving without insurance and failing to stop at the scene.

Howsego did not enter pleas to the charges when he appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court.

The case was judged to be so serious that it was sent to Basildon Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on a date and time to be fixed by the court service.