A WATFORD man has appeared in court charged with murder following an alleged hit and run on the A303.

Tarkan Agca, 23, of Crusader Way, spoke only to confirm his name, address and nationality.

Appearing before Swindon Magistrates’ Court wearing a grey tracksuit, close cropped hair and clutching a paperback book, he did not enter pleas to the charge he murdered Andrzej Szruta in a hit-and-run on the A303 near Solstice Park on Friday, June 21.

Swindon magistrates remanded Agca into custody. He is due before Bristol Crown Court on July 26 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Diana Crockett, chairman of the bench, said: “We are not dealing with this case at all in this court. You will be remanded into custody until your case is heard for a plea and trial preparation hearing in Bristol Crown Court. In the meantime you are remanded in custody.”

Agca‘s court appearance follows an incident that saw police called shortly before 5pm on Friday after 63-year-old Andrzej Szruta was struck by a car on the A303 eastbound near Amesbury.

The driver of the car failed to stop at the scene.

Appealing to anyone who saw the crash to come forward, Det Supt Julie Mackay said: "We would like to speak to anyone who may have seen this collision on Friday.

"This is a very busy road and I believe there would have been a number of drivers and road users who would have seen this incident.

"Also, if you have any dash-cam footage of this please come forward."

Anyone with further information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54190059972.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

FAMILY TRIBUTE

"Andy Szaruta, loyal husband to wife Susan, and loving father to daughter Rachel, 28, and son Christian, 32.

"Andy was a Sergeant Major in the Royal Marine Commandos for 22 years, gaining medals for serving in the Falklands War, two tours in Northern Ireland, and a NATO medal during the Bosnian war.

Salisbury Journal:

"Upon retiring from the Marines, Andy worked as a facilities and operations director, and lived with his wife and daughter in Bridgwater, Somerset.

"He greatly enjoyed spending time with his family, in particular supporting Christian in his racing career at racing circuits throughout the UK and Europe.

"Prior to the incident, Andy was travelling to London with his wife and daughter to visit Christian and his fiancée for the weekend. Christian had organised a surprise belated birthday day out, a father and son race car experience day, which sadly they did not get the opportunity to enjoy."