Driver accused of killing PwC executive jogging on Battersea Bridge Road denies charge

A driver accused of killing a young man who was jogging on Battersea Bridge Road has denied causing death by dangerous driving.

Jack Ryan, 29, suffered fatal injuries after he was struck by a Range Rover Sport driven by Rashid Ali, 28, just after 6pm on January 13, 2021.

Ryan, a PwC executive who had challenged himself to run 100km per month during lockdown, died at the scene on the northern end of Battersea Bridge Road.

Ali, of Slough, Berkshire, appeared at the Old Bailey today (Thursday, June 8) where he denied one charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

Family members of Mr Ryan sat several feet away from the dock as Ali entered his not guilty plea.

Judge Angela Rafferty denied a request by James Scobie, KC, defending, that the two week trial be fixed for June 17, 2024, saying the date was 'too long away' for all concerned.

A provisional date in February 2024 has been assigned.

Laura Hinton, PwC's chief people officer, said in a statement at the time of Ryan's death: "We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic news.

"Jack was a very talented and popular colleague. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates and we are offering them our support."

The junction, which is controlled by Transport for London, has been the scene of dozens of serious or fatal accidents.