A DRIVER accused of causing the death of a pensioner by careless driving has appeared in court.

On Friday, September 20 last year Stan Rogers died after being involved in a collision with a lorry on Christchurch High Street.

Janis Dauvarts, of Bournemouth Road, Poole, appeared at Bournemouth Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with causing death by careless driving in connection with the collision.

The case was sent to Bournemouth Crown Court where Dauvarts, aged 44, is due to appear on May 13.

Mr Rogers, who lived on Harbour Road, Southbourne, was crossing the road with his walking frame when the collision occurred.

Business owners and passersby stopped to help and held his hand while waiting for the emergency services to arrive.

Mr Stanley was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to Royal Bournemouth Hospital where he later died.

Following the tragedy, friends and loved ones described the 79-year-old as a popular and lovely gentleman.

Speaking on behalf of his family at the time, Mr Rogers’s son Sheldon said: “He will be sorely missed by all of the family and he was known and well-liked in the area.

“He loved Christchurch and lots of people knew him.”

Mr Rogers’ neighbour, Karen Hopcutt, said: “He was a lovely old gentleman and it’s such a shock.

“He used to go off on the bus. It’s awful; he was going across the road to catch the bus when it happened.”

Mr Rogers was a regular at St Nicholas Church near his home.

Following his death members of the congregation said Mr Stanley would be sorely missed.

Liz Christopher said: “We shall miss him very much.

“He would mix in with the children here as well.”

Lisa Clark added: “He liked being part of the church. We will miss him being around.”