Taxi Driver Online

A Czech taxi driver has appeared in court charged with causing the deaths of a Plympton couple by dangerous driving on Dartmoor on Sunday.

Jakub Navratil, aged 27, (pictured right) is accused of killing husband and wife Peter and Michele Luscombe in a crash on the B3212 Yelverton to Princetown Road.

Police said that Navratil's Vauxhall Vectra and a Yamaha motorcycle driven by Mr Luscombe collided head-on at a spot known as Devil's Elbow just after 4pm.

Mr Luscombe, 53, and his 51-year-old wife, who was riding pillion, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police officially released their names yesterday.

Navratil, of Commercial Road in Coxside, appeared before Plymouth magistrates for the first time yesterday.

He spoke through an interpreter because his English was described in court as 'limited'.

Solicitor Alan Harris said that Navratil had moved to England five months ago, taking advantage of his home country, the Czech Republic, joining the European Union.

He added that he was working as a driver for Central Taxis, though he was off-duty at the time of the accident.

Navratil was taken to Derriford Hospital with minor injuries after the accident but was not detained.

Magistrates decided to release Navratil on bail until his first appearance at Plymouth Crown Court on August 31.

He must surrender his passport and is not allowed to apply for any other travel documents.

Navratil must also report to a police station three times a week.

It is understood that Navratil is no longer working for Central Taxis.

Police have again appealed for anyone who was on the B3212 Yelverton to Princetown road between about 3.30pm and 4.10pm on Sunday to come forward.

Officers believe people were on the road who may not have witnessed the collision but could still have relevant information.

Police said that other road-users passed by the accident late and also want them to come forward.

Anyone who can help should call the police on 08452 777444 quoting police reference 892 of May 20.