A MAN has been charged in connection with the death of PC Jeff Tooley.

John Heaton, 47, described as a self-employed house clearer, of Portland Road, Hove, appeared before a specially convened sitting of Worthing magistrates at 5pm yesterday.

Heaton, wearing white overalls, stood in the dock flanked by two security guards and listened closely as the court clerk read out the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

His solicitor, Martin Clay, applied for legal aid, which was granted.

Chairwoman of the bench Jackie Campbell remanded Heaton in custody to appear again at Worthing Magistrates Court on May 5.

Heaton spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood the charge and the adjournment.

None of PC Tooley's relatives were present at the hearing, which lasted 15 minutes.

Heaton was escorted from the dock by the security guards and left the court with a blanket over his head.

He was led from the building and put into a prison van with blacked-out windows before being driven away.

PC Tooley died in Shoreham on Saturday.

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