Wheelchair-bound 96-year-old appears in court accused of killing pensioner, 76, and seriously injuring another, 80, when they were hit by a Vauxhall Corsa

A wheelchair-bound 96-year-old has appeared in court accused of killing a pensioner and seriously injuring another when they were hit by a Vauxhall Corsa.

The woman is charged with causing death by dangerous driving after a 76-year-old was killed and another, aged 80, was hurt in a road smash.

June Mills is thought to be the oldest woman in Britain to be charged with the offence after pedestrian Brenda Joyce suffered fatal head injuries when the car mounted a pavement and ran into her.

Mrs Joyce died at the scene despite efforts to revive her. Another unnamed woman who was walking along the street was also hit by the Corsa during the crash but escaped with minor injuries.

The 2012 Vauxhall Corsa also crashed into a parked Ford Max and a stationary Jaguar before coming to a halt at 4.20pm last August 2 at a notorious T junction in the affluent town of Formby, Merseyside.

Mills, who lives in nearby Ainsdale, remained at the scene to speak to police but was later questioned and charged. If convicted, she could face up to life imprisonment.

At Sefton magistrates' court, Mills spoke only to confirm her name, date of birth and address during a brief pre-trial hearing. 

She did not have to go into dock but was allowed to sit in her wheelchair in the body of court room.

The legal adviser told her 'You face a charge of causing death by dangerous driving. 

'That can only be dealt with at the Crown Court so this matter is going to be sent to Liverpool Crown Court on August 14 at 9.45am.'

The prosecutor confirmed Mills could be released on unconditional bail. No details of the accident were given the hearing.

At the time of the tragedy, a spokesperson from Merseyside Police said: 'We received a report that a Vauxhall Corsa had mounted a pavement and collided with two pedestrians and two stationary vehicles on Elbow Lane.'

'A 76-year-old woman, who was one of the pedestrians, was treated at the scene by paramedics after sustaining a serious head injury but was sadly pronounced dead. 

'Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.'

'The other pedestrian, an 80-year-old woman, suffered only slight injuries. The driver of the Vauxhall Corsa is continuing to assist police with their enquiries.'

Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: 'Our thoughts and sympathies go the family and friends of the woman who has sadly died.'

'Our enquiries are at the early stages as we seek to establish what has taken place and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area of Elbow Lane at around 4.20pm who saw anything or has any information which could assist with our enquiries to contact us.'