Dolars Aleksanders, a 23-year-old Latvian national, has been remanded in custody after appearing before Birmingham Magistrates' Court on 6 August, following his extradition to the UK. He faces charges of causing the death of 12-year-old Keaton Slater through dangerous driving in Radford, Coventry, in June 2024.
Court Appearance and Charges
During a brief three-minute hearing, Aleksanders only spoke to confirm his name and date of birth. District Judge David Wain was told that Aleksanders is alleged to have been driving a black BMW when the fatal collision occurred on 14 June 2024. The judge remanded him to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on 3 September.
Addressing the defendant, District Judge Wain stated: "You have been returned to the United Kingdom in relation to these matters to face justice."
Extradition and International Cooperation
Aleksanders was apprehended in Latvia in July and flown into Gatwick Airport on Wednesday, according to Coventry Live. His return was the result of a joint effort between British and Latvian authorities, involving multiple agencies.
Ben Samples, from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said: "We have decided to charge Dolars Aleksanders with one count of causing death by dangerous driving following a police investigation into a fatal road traffic collision that led to the death of Keaton Slater."
He added: "Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court to pursue criminal proceedings. CPS West Midlands has worked closely with West Midlands Police, Home Office, the Latvian authorities, Europol, the Joint International Crime Centre (JICC), CPS International, and our Extradition Unit to bring Mr Aleksanders back to face proceedings in a UK court for an alleged crime that took place here."
Case Impact
The case highlights the effectiveness of international collaboration in bringing suspects to justice. The CPS confirmed that charges were authorised following a thorough police investigation. The community in Coventry has been left grieving the loss of young Keaton Slater, and the legal process will now proceed at the Crown Court.
