Woman, 53, accused of killing dog walker

A 53-year-old woman from Shropshire appeared in court today charged with causing the death of a teacher who was knocked down and killed while walking a dog.

Francine Austin, who married into the family behind the Albrighton-based David Austin Roses empire, is accused of causing the death by careless driving of Brenda Wilson, of Kinver, near Stourbridge.

Mrs Wilson, 62, died after she was struck by an Audi convertible on the A458 Bridgnorth Road in Stourton, south Staffordshire, on August 4 last year.

Austin, of Claverley, appeared for a first hearing at Cannock Magistrates Court today, charged with causing the death of Mrs Wilson by driving a vehicle, namely an Audi A3, on the A458 at Stourton without due care and attention. She is also accused of being over the drink-drive limit.

Austin spoke only to confirm her name and address. The case was committed to Stafford Crown Court on March 2.

Mrs Wilson was a former headteacher at St Anne's Middle School in Bewdley which closed several years ago. She was married with two children.