A MAN is due to go on trial next month accused of causing the death more than two years ago of Frome grandfather Melvyn Cole, aged 63.

Mr Cole died in a two-vehicle crash in East Cranmore as he drove home in his green Vauxhall Astra car from his warehouse operative work with Gregory Distribution, in Bridgwater, on the evening of April 17, 2024.

Jake Robertson, aged 36, of Keyford, Frome, has been accused of causing Mr Cole’s death by driving in a careless and/or inconsiderate manner.

Robertson, who was represented by barrister Harry Ahuja, pleaded not guilty when he appeared in Taunton Crown Court in October, 2025.

He appeared in court again on Friday, September 11, when Judge Paul Cook ordered a trial to be held, starting on Monday, October 26.

Robertson was granted unconditional bail until the trial, which was estimated to need five to six days to complete.

The fatal crash happened on the A361 near the Torr Works Quarry, where a number of First Aid-trained workers ran to the scene to try to help, but Mr Cole had already died.

An online appeal later helped to raise funds for Mr Cole’s family to help with his funeral costs.