Deutsch to appear in court on charges of drink-driving and escaping custody

Charlie Deutsch is to appear before a crown court next month charged with dangerous driving, driving when above the alcohol limit and escape from lawful custody.

The conditional jump jockey was referred to Gloucester Crown Court by magistrates in Cheltenham on Tuesday. The next hearing will take place on May 17.

Deutsch, aged 21, was unable to comment and Paul Struthers, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, said: "Charlie has been advised not to comment pending his court appearance but will be able to do so once that process has concluded."

Deutsch, who works for Venetia Williams, is enjoying his best season in the saddle with 29 winners.

He recorded his biggest success on Yala Enki in the Grand National Trial at Haydock in February and landed the Silver Bowl Chase on Cepage at Kempton last month, both for Williams. He partnered Cepage in the Silver Trophy at Cheltenham on Wednesday, finishing fourth.

He had his second Grand National ride on Houblon Des Obeaux last Saturday, but having completed last year got no further than Becher's Brook on the first circuit.

He was trampled in the fall and needed immediate medical attention which resulted in the screens being put up around him and the field being diverted round the fence on the second circuit of the race.

He suffered no serious injuries and was well enough to ride a winner at Plumpton the following day and another on Tuesday at Exeter following his court appearance.

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