A woman has appeared in court after being charged with causing the death of a man by dangerous driving after he is said to have swerved to avoid a mattress on Blue Bell Hill.

Rebecca Miller, 39, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving after the death of Clive Mauger, 69, from Chatham, died at the scene of the accident on Monday, January 30.

His silver Peugeot 206 came off the Maidstone-bound carriageway and smashed into trees.

The retired security guard was going to visit a sick friend in Maidstone when he is said to have swerved to avoid a mattress that had apparently fallen from another car.

Mr Mauger, was a dad of four and had two grandchildren.

An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned.

The incident happened near the Shell petrol station just after 4.30pm that day and officers put out an appeal for witnesses.

The road was closed until 11.20pm to allow officers from the serious collision investigation unit to carry out inquiries.

Miller, formerly of Summerson Close, Rochester, now of The Lindens, Aylesford, appeared before Medway magistrates this morning.

She didn’t enter any pleas in relation to the charge and the case was sent to Maidstone Crown Court to be dealt with.

Miller was granted bail until then and will next appear at the crown court on Tuesday, August 8.