A motorist was today charged with causing the death of a popular Walsall newsagent who was found lying in the road near his family business.

Zahid Hussain, aged 54, of Broadway, Caldmore, appeared at Walsall Magistrates Court over the death last year of married father-of-six Mushraf Surti. Mr Surti ran Surti News in Broadway West.

Hussain was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, committing an act with intent to pervert the course of public justice, failing to stop and failing to report a road accident.

The body of Mr Surti, aged 51, was discovered in Broadway West near the junction with West Bromwich Road at 5.49am on March 10 last year, close to the shop he ran nearby with his cousin.

A post mortem found he died of multiple injuries. Police launched an investigation in a bid to trace the driver they believed was responsible for his death.

Hussain is accused of hitting Mr Surti while driving a Mercedes C-Class along Broadway West in bad weather and failing to stop.

At court today he spoke only to confirm his name and address.

The case will be brought back before magistrates for a hearing on August 13.

Hussain will then appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court for a plea and directions hearing on October 28. He was given unconditional bail.

Families in the area were left shocked and saddened at the death of the well-known businessman. He was regularly seen delivering newspapers around the area in the morning and evening.

Friends and colleagues laid piles of flowers outside the popular shop after learning of the tragedy. The shop was closed for several days after the accident.

Since the collision there have been calls for better speed measures along the busy stretch. Campaigners have demanded speed cameras to slow drivers down after several other accidents in recent years.