A woman appeared in court today charged with causing the death of a teacher who was knocked down and killed while walking a dog in South Staffordshire.

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, on August 4 last year.

Mrs Wilson, aged 62, died after she was struck by an Audi convertible on the A458 Bridgnorth Road in Stourton. Austin, aged 53, of Heathton, Claverley, appeared for a first hearing at Cannock Magistrates Court today.

The court heard she is charged with causing the death of Brenda 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 during the short hearing.

Chairman of the bench Mr Robert Chumley-Roberts committed the case to Stafford Crown Court. Austin was bailed until the next hearing on March 2.