A Porsche driver has denied killing a high profile barrister who was crossing the road as he left a charity event.
Michael Sunnooman, 52, allegedly mowed down 64-year-old David Batcup as he crossed the road in Balham, south London, on September 13 last year.
Mr Batcup, a top lawyer of more than 35 years, was thrown some 20ft across the road and pronounced dead at the scene in Bedford Hill.
Michael Sunnooman, 52, (pictured left outside court today), allegedly mowed down David Batcup, 64 (right) as he crossed the road in Balham, south London
The lawyer had just left a Law Rocks battle-of-the bands event at the Bedford pub where staff from firms including Harbottle and Lewis and Mishcon de Reya performed to raise money for charity.
Paramedics battled to save his life for 30 minutes but pronounced him dead at the scene.
Members of Mr Batcup’s family sat in court and the public gallery for the brief hearing.
The victim was described by Charter Chambers as a ‘warm, modest, loyal, open and big-hearted family man’.
Mr Batcup had worked for more than 35 years in criminal courts on high-profile cases involving murder, money laundering and large-scale drug cases.
The barrister graduated from the University College London and was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn in 1974.
He worked for Charter Chambers where he became its head before retiring from that position in 2000 and was appointed as a part-time judge in the crown court.
Sunnooman denied causing death by dangerous driving at the Old Bailey today.
The lawyer had just left a Law Rocks battle-of-the bands event at the Bedford pub (pictured)
Judge Richard Marks QC said: ‘Mr Sunnooman your trial is going to take place on the 9 April next year.
‘It is important that in the mean time you stay in contact with your solicitors and that you attend here on that date or indeed any other date if you are told.’
Sunnooman, from Tooting in south west London, denies causing death by dangerous driving.
His trial is expected to last four days.
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