Wozciech Kaim spoke only to confirm his name at Worcester Crown Court today.

He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, following the collision at Boraston, near Tenbury Wells, on October 13.

The collision happened on the A456 at 2.20am and 31-year-old Suzanne Wardel, a haulage contractor from Bricklehampton, in Worcestershire, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kaim, 38, of no fixed abode, was remanded in custody until January 15 next year, when he is expected to enter a plea to the charge.

Meanwhile, Mrs Wardell’s husband, Colin, today paid tribute to his late wife and said she had been on her way to deliver produce to a wholesaler when the collision occurred.

He said his wife was an extremely experienced and safe driver and regularly travelled along the A456.

He said: “She was a very, very beautiful woman who was the perfect mother to five young children and who was entirely devoted to her family. We had been together since the age of 15. We were childhood sweethearts.

“I am two years older than Suzanne and we met in our teens and were never parted. We had been together for 17 years and she was my best friend. She had great charisma and was loved by everybody. She was an out-and-out stunner.”

Mr Wardell added that he and his wife had five children between the ages of 15 and four.

He said: “We work in the haulage industry and I have been working as a driver since the age of 18. Suzanne was my partner and also worked in the industry.”