A MAN accused of causing death by dangerous driving has lost the ability to talk and suffered other physical injuries following the crash.

Ben Summerhayes must now be examined by psychiatrists to see whether he is fit enough to stand trial.

Mr Summerhayes, 26, of Lordings Road, Billinghurst, West Sussex, has been charged with causing the death of Trudi McHugh and seriously injuring her son and another passenger in the crash on the A303 Ilminster Bypass in July 2015.

He appeared at Taunton Crown Court on Friday, when Judge David Ticehurst adjourned the case until November 23, releasing the defendant on conditional bail.

The judge, who ordered a psychiatrist's report, said: "Mr Summerhayes suffered during the course of the collision, as well as others who suffered dreadful injuries and one death.

"There needs to be a medical report to determine his cognitive ability to take part in the trial process and whether he understands what's going on."

A decision will then be taken to decide whether Mr Summerhayes is fit to plead and if a trial should be held.

The judge added: "I know how dreadfully awful these cases are for everyone involved."

Members of Mrs McHugh's family and friends were in court, while Mr Summerhayes, who was permitted to sit in the court rather than the dock due to mobility problems, was accompanied by his parents.