Cardiff: Man in court accused of attempted murder of courier

Police in North Road, Cardiff where a delivery driver was allegedly hit by a stolen van

A man has appeared in court charged with attempted murder after a delivery driver was hit and dragged under his van.

The incident happened on North Road, one of the main routes into Cardiff city centre, on 28 March.

Christopher El Gifari, 31, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday.

The case was adjourned until 10 May and no application for bail was made.

The court heard victim Mark Lang, 54, was critically injured and is currently at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

Cardiff Magistrates' Court was told last week that Mr Lang was making deliveries as an Evri driver in Laytonia Avenue.

Prosecutor Nicholas Evans told magistrates Mr Lang was carrying a parcel when he attempted to stop the vehicle while it was being driven "at speed".

He said Mr Lang "was dragged under the van and the parcel was lodged in the windscreen".

The vehicle was driven on to North Road towards the city centre for a distance of 800 yards (740m), and when its stopped Mr Lang was trapped under the van and not breathing with extensive injuries.

The court heard Mr Lang had brain injuries and multiple lacerations.