Lee Hoyland had denied calling one of the men a "black bas***d" and saying "f**k Muhammad" to another whose passport he demanded to see.

The 53-year-old had been due to go on trial at Norwich Crown Court in October in relation to the alleged incidents, said to have happened in Gorleston on August 1, 2024.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)

But a further case management hearing held on Wednesday heard Hoyland, of Newham Green, Gorleston, died on January 16 this year.

It is understood the cause of death is yet to be established.

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Andrew Jackson, prosecuting, asked that following Hoyland's death the indictment or offences faced by the defendant be endorsed as a result.

It means the court will not proceed and the case is now closed.

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