Court: Former-bus driver charged with deaths of Dagenham couple hit in Western Road, Romford

Todd embraces a woman outside the court (Image: Archant)

Robert Todd, of Redden Court Road, Harold Wood, was arrested in November last year after the two men, who were in a civil partnership, died after being hit by a 252 bus in Western Road.

Henry Keller and Colin Hicks, both 66, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Todd appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court this afternoon charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving on November 15.

He appeared unshaven and wore a white short-sleeved shirt and only spoke to confirm his name and address.

The scene of the crash (Image: Archant)

Todd, who no longer works for bus operator Stagecoach, was accompanied by six others, believed to be family and friends.

He was seen embracing a woman outside the court after he was permitted to leave.

The presiding magistrate, Mr D Hunter, granted Todd unconditional bail until his next appearance at Snaresbrook Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on August 13.

Colin and Henry, also know as Harry, lived together in sheltered accommodation in Stone Close. Friends paid tribute to them following their deaths.

Flowers at the scene of the crash in Western Road (Image: Archant)

Neighbours Patrick and Lynne Hamilton spoke of their shock.

“I was speaking to one of them the night before,” said Lynne. “It’s horrible. It’s a big shock – they were lovely people.”

Patrick added: “They had a great sense of humour. You just couldn’t stop laughing when they started speaking. They bounced off each other.

“They were lovely people. I don’t think you could fault them in any way.”

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Bus driver charged with death by dangerous driving following crash that killed Dagenham couple