A MAN has appeared in court accused of causing the death of a woman in a crash on a Dorset road.

It is alleged that Daniel Jamie Samways caused the death of Ella Cooper by driving without due care and attention while over the specified limit for benzoylecgonine – the main metabolite of cocaine.

Samways, 37, also faces a second accusation of drug driving.

Both allegations relate to an incident on the B3081 near Sixpenny Handley on February 1 last year.

Samways, of Dean Lane, Sixpenny Handley, appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court for a short hearing on Thursday, July 8, after being issued with a postal requisition.

The defendant spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

No pleas were entered to the two charges against him.

Samways was remanded on unconditional bail, with the next hearing due to take place at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday, August 2.

As reported, Ringwood woman Miss Cooper died after her Volkswagen Up was involved in a collision with two vehicles.

Miss Cooper, 37, was taken to Southampton General Hospital with life-threatening injuries but died six days later.