WEST Bromwich Albion striker Lee Hughes has appeared in court charged with causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop after an accident.

The 27-year-old footballer appeared before Coventry Magistrates' Court yesterday following a car crash near Meriden, West Midlands, in which a 56-year-old man died.

Hughes, a father-of-one, of Leymere Close, Meriden, spoke only to tell the court his address and date of birth during the five-minute hearing.

The case against Hughes was transferred to Coventry Crown Court for a preliminary hearing, due to take place on Friday, December 5.

The football star was arrested on Monday and charged on Tuesday following the tragedy in the early hours of Sunday.

The collision allegedly involved Hughes' silver Mercedes CL55 coupe and a Renault Megane car.

Douglas Graham, of Eastern Green, Coventry, was a back seat passenger in the Renault and died instantly.

His wife, who was also a passenger in the car, suffered a broken leg, while two other men - including the driver, were also injured in the crash.

Hughes, dressed in a dark grey suit, white shirt, and grey tie, was remanded on bail on condition that he lived at his home address and reported to Smethwick police station every Sunday and Thursday between 8am and midnight.

Hughes was also ordered not to go into the Queen's Head, Meriden, and also to keep out of the Poachers Retreat, in Tile Hill, Coventry.