Tancredo Bankhardt, 41, was arrested following a three-car collision on the A146 between Hales and Loddon.

He is alleged to have deliberately driven his Vauxhall Astra into oncoming traffic on September 26 last year after sending a series of troubling text messages.

A selfie picture posted on Facebook less than two hours before the crash appears to show him inside the car with three youngsters, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

Bankhardt, of Saxon Road, Great Yarmouth, appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Friday having previously denied 11 charges, including the attempted murders of the three children.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)

He is also charged with causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent and causing serious injury by dangerous driving in respect of two of the children and attempting to inflict GBH with intent in respect of the third.

Tancredo Bankhardt is accused of the attempted murder of three children after a car crash (Image: Facebook)

Bankhardt, who has also denied causing serious injury by dangerous driving after the driver of another car was treated for injuries, is due to stand trial on April 27.

It is a trial which is due to be heard before a High Court judge.

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Simon Spence KC, who represents the defendant, said they were "pretty much trial ready".

Stephen Rose KC, who prosecutes, indicated there may well be some changes to the indictment but that would be done in time for the trial.

Bankhardt, who is originally from Brazil but has lived in the UK for a number of years, is also charged with dangerous driving and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in respect of a woman.

Following the crash one of the three children was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital with life-threatening injuries, while another sustained significant facial injuries, and the third suffered fractures.

A previous court hearing had been told none were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

Police had received a 999 call an hour before the crash raising concerns for the safety of the car's occupants.

© Eastern Daily Press