At the High Court in Glasgow yesterday the Crown refused to accept a plea of guilty to a charge of death by careless driving by David Brown, 29, who sat in the dock before judge Lord Pentland.

Brown is charged with causing the death of taxi driver John Lacon, 65, by dangerous driving on April 29 last year at Great Western Road, Glasgow, at the junction with Dorchester Avenue.

It is alleged that Brown, in the course of his duties as a police officer, drove dangerously at speeds in excess of 30mph, went through a red light and collided with Mr Lacon's taxi.

Both vehicles were extensively damaged and Mr Lacon, of Verona Drive, Glasgow, died of his injuries on May 11, 2011 at Glasgow Western Infirmary.

Passengers in both the police vehicle and the taxi were injured.

Advocate Thomas Ross, defending, said: "I am tendering a plea to causing death by careless driving."

The plea was tendered on the basis that Brown was not driving at over 30mph and did not drive through a red light.

Advocate depute Martin Macari, prosecuting, said: "This plea is rejected by the Crown."

Mr Ross added: "There will require to be a trial diet. There has been an acceptance of responsibility to some extent."

Trial was set for October this year.