A MAN has appeared in court charged with causing the death by careless driving of a 13-year-old boy when he crashed a £1.2 million Ferrari.

Matthew Cobden, 38, of Long Lodge Drive, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court in connection with the crash which killed Alexander Worth, from Kings Worthy.

The accident happened after Cobden had been unloading the Ferrari F50 for a photoshoot for Evo supercar magazine in North Warnborough, on August 22 last year.

It is alleged that when Alexander asked if he could take a photograph of the car, Cobden offered him a ride.

The short journey ended when the mid-1990s supercar crashed into fencing. Alexander was killed and Cobden was taken to hospital with serious injuries. No other vehicles were involved.

Cobden spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the brief hearing.

District Judge Philip Gillibrand told him: “I have declined jurisdiction. I am sending this case to Winchester Crown Court where you must attend on July 26 on unconditional bail.”

Speaking to Alexander’s family, he said: “Can I express my sympathy to you? I lost my brother in a road traffic accident.

“I am afraid I could not face the hearing. I think you are very courageous.”