A 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 about 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, near Brampton, died at the scene from the injuries she suffered.

The collision at the A689's junction with Irthington.

Mieczan appeared at Carlisle's magistrates’ court this morning.

During a 10-minute hearing, 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.

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”.