Tancredo Bankhardt, 40, was arrested following a three-car collision on the A146 between Hales and Loddon.

Norwich Magistrates’ Court heard it was alleged that he had deliberately driven his Vauxhall Astra into oncoming traffic 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 a car with three youngsters.

One of the three children was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital and is still being treated for life-threatening injuries.

Nicola Lamb, prosecuting, said another child had sustained significant facial injuries, while the third suffered fractures in the crash but has since been discharged from the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

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© Eastern Daily Press