[A] POLISH HGV driver accused of causing the death of a pensioner by dangerous driving near Carlisle has appeared before a city court.
Jaroslaw Kazimerz Mieczan, 43, faces one charge following a head-on crash on the A689 at around 3-10pm on Thursday. This involved a Mercedes Actros lorry driven by Mieczan and a Fiat Panda.
As a result of the collision, Fiat driver Maureen Smith, an 86-year-old grandmother and great-grandmother from Heads Nook, Brampton, died at the scene from the injuries she suffered.
Mieczan appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court this morning (SAT).
During a 10-minute hearing before magistrates, Mieczan – who was assisted by an interpreter – did not enter any plea to the charge. Dressed in a green and yellow hooded top, he spoke only to confirm his personal details.
Mieczan, of Molodiatycze, Trzeszczany, Poland, will appear at Carlisle Crown Court on Monday, December 18. In the meantime he was remanded in custody by magistrates.
No application was made for bail.
In a statement released by Cumbria Police last night, Maureen Smith’s family paid tribute to a “very much loved mum, grandma, great grandma, sister and aunty who had many friends”.
“She was a great believer in helping others dedicating a lot of time to family, friends, supporting charities and those in need,” the tribute read. “We will treasure every memory of her.”
