A DRIVER has been acquitted of causing the death of a man by dangerous driving after a court agreed there was “no realistic prospect” of a prosecution.

Kevin Rolph had previously appeared in court to deny causing the death of 52-year-old Richard Navin in Basildon.

Mr Navin died after a crash in Paycocke Road, on June 25, 2018, which involved three vehicles.

Mr Rolph, 63, of Rachael Gardens in Silver End, was one of the drivers involved in the crash.

A trial date was fixed for June 22 at Basildon Crown Court, but now the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has dropped the case and offered no evidence.

During a hearing yesterday, the court heard that an expert had reviewed the case and had found there was “no realistic prospect” of a prosecution from what evidence was available.

The hearing was held online due to the restrictions over the coronavirus pandemic.

Stephen Rose, prosecuting, officially offered no evidence from the CPS to Judge Samantha Leigh.

Judge Leigh then officially found Mr Rolph not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

She said: “I formally enter not guilty verdicts.

“There has been a careful review of the defence statement and as we rightly say in light of the evidence of the expert material, there isn’t the evidence to proceed this case laid before the defendant.

“It’s a verdict on which we formally agree.

“It’s been considered and careful, and I also know the roads we are talking about.”

At yesterday’s hearing, Mr Rose told the court that the family members of Mr Navin had been offered a meeting with representatives of the CPS to explain the process to them.

Members of his family had previously attended the court hearing where Mr Rolph denied the causing death by dangerous driving charge.

Following the crash, witnesses described seeing fuel, glass and other debris sprayed across the road and at least two recovery vehicles attended to remove the damaged cars from the road.

Police tape closed off the road (pictured) for several hours while investigations were carried out.

A large emergency service presence was spotted in the road including police, ambulances and fire crews.

Mr Rolph did not attend the remote hearing yesterday as he was not required, and was previously out on bail.

The not guilty verdict means he will face no further action.

All criminal proceedings have now concluded into the fatal collision.