A COURT heard brief details regarding the death of a promising former Runcorn Linnets footballer at a car meet in Woolston.

Mason Hodgson has been charged with causing the death of 20-year-old Sam Harding by dangerous driving on Kingsland Grange in 2022.

The 23-year-old suspect, of Glen Road in Morley, near Leeds, made a first appearance in relation to the allegation before Warrington Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Tuesday.

It is alleged that on Sunday, April 10, 2022, he caused the death of Samuel Harding by driving a black Audi S3 on Kingsland Grange dangerously.

Hodgson confirmed his name and personal details, but no plea was entered, with the court hearing that, because the offence is ‘indictable only’, it can only be dealt with by the crown court.

When asked by the court clerk, the bench of magistrates confirmed that they would like to hear some brief details of the case from prosecutor Matthew Dixon.

He said: “The defendant and complainant both attended a car meet on Kingsland Grange, in the Warrington area of Cheshire, on April 10, 2022.

“It has taken some time for the matter to get to this stage.

“The defendant attended with his vehicle, an Audi S3. The complainant attended to watch the cars driving.

“At one point during the evening, the defendant was driving on Kingsland Grange at speed.”

It was said that the complainant was ‘struck by the defendant’s vehicle and, as a result, unfortunately died’.

The crown submitted that the matter be sent to the crown court, and stated that it had no issues with the defendant, who was charged by postal requisition, remaining on unconditional bail.

Hodgson will next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on November 19 for a plea and trial preparation hearing, with a pre-sentence report also ordered.

Before adjourning the hearing, chair magistrate Andrew Brothers said: “This matter will now be sent to Liverpool Crown Court, where you will appear on November 19.

Mason Hidgson appeared before Warrington Magistrates Court

Mason Hidgson appeared before Warrington Magistrates' Court

“We order that a pre-sentence report be available for the judge on this day. Until then, you will remain on unconditional bail. You have to be at court at 9.30am that day.”

Cheshire Police confirmed on October 2 this year that a man had been charged more than two years on from the fatal crash.

Mr Harding, of Stockport, died as a result of injuries sustained following a collision between a car and a pedestrian which occurred at the car meet at 9.40pm.

He was known to be a promising footballer and had most recently been playing for Ashton Athletic in the North West Counties Football League.

He had also taken to the field for Runcorn Linnets and FC United of Manchester, as well as being capped by England Schoolboys.

FC United of Manchester’s academy manager Tom Conroy said at the time: “Technically, Sam was one of the best academy players we have ever had.

“That was proven when he was successful in England schoolboy trials, earning caps for his country.

“Sam is always spoken about to future academy players as a perfect example of the type of player we want at the club.

“This is not only with regards to the standard of footballing ability, but the type of person he was – kind, polite, hard-working and professional.

“He will be sadly missed, and I would like to pass my love and condolences to Sam's family.”

A tribute released by his family read: “Our beautiful son was tragically taken away from us on Sunday, April 10.

“A much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend to many, we will never, ever forget you Sam and will love you forever.

“Rest in peace sweet angel, love Mum, Dad and Amy xx.”