A top Labour councillor, accused of driving dangerously and assaulting a police officer, today had his case committed to crown court.

Tim Young, 40, of Damask Way, Stanway, Colchester, appeared before Colchester Magistrates this morning (Friday).

Young is accused of driving his Ford Mondeo dangerously on November 30 last year at Middleborough East in Colchester.

The Colchester council cabinet member is also accused of assaulting a police constable, failing to stop when asked to by a police officer, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report the accident.

Young has denied all the accusations made against him.

He has been committed to Chelmsford Crown Court on April 9.

Until then he has been released on unconditional bail and legal aid has been extended to cover the Crown Court proceedings.

He was accompanied to court by his wife Julie, and fellow councillor Richard Bourne.

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