A Sheerness driver is to go trial accused of driving carelessly and causing the death of a pensioner.

The 77-year-old was one of four women on a minibus heading to the Sheppey Age UK Day Centre in Trinity Road, Sheerness, when it collided with a Peugeot 307 just before 10am on January 16 this year.

Rebecca Hickey, 35, has now pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Eileen Murray by careless driving.

All the passengers were treated in hospital but Ms Murray, who was also known as Pat and lived in The Broadway in Minster, Kent, died from her injuries.

Both vehicles were written off in the smash which occurred in Marine Parade, Sheerness.

Hickey, of Alma Road, Sheerness, will stand trial on May 11 next year.

Prosecutor Martin Yale told the court evidence may be given 'from beyond the grave' by another of the passengers who has also since died but not as a result of the crash.

The jury will hear a statement she made to police at the time.

Hickey was released on bail by Judge David Griffith-Jones QC until a pre-trial review hearing on April 24.

To read more of our in depth coverage of all of the major trials coming out of crown and magistrates' courts across the county, click here.

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