A MAN has denied causing the death of a north Cumbrian woman by dangerous driving following a two-vehicle crash.
Colin Hodgson, 30, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court this morning (WED).
During a 15-minute hearing in front of Judge James Adkin, Hodgson pleaded not guilty to one charge. This alleges that he caused the death of Ann Miller by dangerous driving in a Mercedes Sprinter on August 9 last year.
Mrs Miller, a 74-year-old who lived in Penrith and was originally from Carlisle, died in Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary on August 15. This was six days after after the northbound Volkswagen Golf in which she had been a front seat passenger was in collision with Hodgson’s Mercedes. This had been travelling in the opposite direction.
The crash occurred on the A6 in the area of Plumpton Foot, between Carlisle and Penrith, at around 12-30pm. The driver of the Golf was said by police at the time to have been taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Hodgson, of Leam Lane, Gateshead, is set to go on trial at the crown court on January 21 next year.
It is estimated that hearing will last three to four days.
In the meantime Judge Adkin granted Hodgson unconditional bail.
In a statement released after Mr Miller’s death, her family described her as a “very quiet and respectful, genuine person”.
