A MOTORIST is facing trial accused of killing a pensioner by running him down as he crossed the road.

William Magee, 56, denies causing the death of 80-year-old James Moncrieff by speeding and driving carelessly in Hawkhead Road, Paisley.

It is alleged the offence took place on October 31, 2017.

Magee made his first public appearance in connection with the case at Paisley Sheriff Court last week.

Prosecutors claim he struck Mr Moncrieff while driving “without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road.”

The charge against Magee, of Affric Drive, Paisley, has been brought under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and states he broke the speed limit, failed to “maintain proper observations” and caused his vehicle to hit Mr Moncrieff and knock him to the ground, “whereby he was so severely injured that he died.”

After hearing that both defence and prosecution lawyers were ready for a trial to begin, Sheriff Seith Ireland adjourned the case until March for that to take place.