A man is set to appear in court this week after being charged in connection with a collision that took place at a car meet in Leeds back in July.
The incident happened in the Cross Green area of the city, where a gathering of car enthusiasts turned dangerous when a vehicle was involved in a serious crash. West Yorkshire Police launched an investigation shortly after and have now charged a man as a result of their findings.
Car meets have grown massively in popularity across England over recent years, with hundreds of people often turning up to watch modified and performance vehicles. But events like these have also drawn increasing concern from police and local residents, with some gatherings descending into reckless driving, stunts, and dangerous behaviour on public roads.
Cross Green, an industrial and residential area on the eastern edge of Leeds city centre, has been the location of several such meets over the years. When things go wrong at these events, the consequences can be serious, not just for drivers but for bystanders and spectators who are often standing nearby.
West Yorkshire Police have not yet released the full details of the charges or confirmed the extent of any injuries caused in the July collision, but the fact that a prosecution is now moving forward suggests the investigation gathered enough evidence to bring the case to court.
The man charged is due before magistrates this week. Further details about the case are expected to become public once proceedings get underway.
Police have previously urged anyone organising or attending illegal car meets to understand that they will face consequences if they put lives at risk. Officers across West Yorkshire have been stepping up patrols around known meet locations, with vehicles seized and drivers prosecuted for offences ranging from dangerous driving to driving without insurance.
Anyone with information about the July incident in Cross Green who has not yet spoken to police is being encouraged to come forward.