FIVE men accused of drag racing at a car meet in Poole will face a trial before a crown court judge.

The men – Dominic Clift-Thompson, 21 and of Gwenlyn Road, Poole, Oliver Davis, 24 and of Idsworth Court, Basingstoke, Robert Earls, 22 and of Jessett Drive, Church Crookham, Fleet, Jamie Li, 26 and of Broughton Crescent, Weymouth, and Marc Soars, 30 and of Lower Mill, Purton, Swindon – are each charged with a single count of dangerous driving.

Prosecutors allege they were caught carrying out 'dangerous manoeuvres', including donuts, drag racing and power slides, in five modified Lexus IS200 cars.

A court heard on Tuesday that the alleged offences were reportedly carried out on a public road at a Poole industrial estate.

Police were called to Witney Road, at the Nuffield Industrial Estate, after receiving reports of 'drag racing' between 5pm and 8.45pm on Sunday, June 24 2018.

Each of the men were issued with a postal requisition. They appeared for a preliminary hearing at Poole Magistrates' Court, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The five will next appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court.