Pensioner, 72, found dead days before standing trial accused of trying to kill woman with his Jaguar

A PENSIONER was found dead days before standing trial accused of trying to kill a woman with his Jaguar.

Peter Tillman, 72, allegedly crashed his car into a Mini Cooper carrying two women in Hampshire’s New Forest.

The women, 59 and 33, were rushed to hospital with minor injuries.

The smash happened in a 30mph zone on the A337 near Brockenhurst, Hants, in August 2019.

Tillman, from Sway, Hampshire, was arrested and charged with attempted murder and dangerous driving.

He had denied the charges and his trial was due to open at Salisbury Crown Court today.

But DS Steven Norridge, who was involved in the case, told the hearing Tillman had been found dead on Saturday.

The court heard Tillman had written his barrister a letter shortly before his death.

It is thought he may have been suffering from mental health issues.

DS Norridge, of Hampshire Police, said: “I was called by a colleague who knew of my involvement in the case and they informed me that they were about to attend the sudden death of Peter Tillman.

“I then attended the address and confirmed Tillman’s death.”

Sarah Forshaw QC, for the defence, told the court her client wrote a letter for her before his death.

Judge Susan Evans QC said: “It has satisfied me that Mr Tillman is indeed deceased and he is indeed the individual who is identified on this indictment.”

She ordered the charges to be “declared of no legal effect”, and added: “I extend the court’s sympathies to those concerned.”