[A] POLISH wagon driver accused of killing a north Cumbria pensioner by dangerous driving will go on trial in April next year.
Jaroslaw Kazimerz Mieczan, 43, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today (FRI). Mieczan pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Mo (Maureen) Smith by dangerous driving, on the A689, on Thursday November 16.
The charge arises out of a head-on collision, at the Irthington junction, which 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, bearded and wearing a dark coloured T-shirt, entered his not guilty plea through an interpreter who assisted him in the dock during today’s 20-minute hearing.
The court heard a trial, estimated to last around four days, would start on April 3 next year.
Mieczan, of Molodiatycze, Trzeszczany, eastern Poland, was remanded in custody by Judge James Adkin, who heard the defendant had lodged a bail application which would be considered in due course.
