A MAN has appeared in court accused of killing a road worker by driving a highways lorry carelessly.

Pawel Feliks Stefanski, aged 31, is accused of causing the death of Thomas McAuley by driving without due care and attention in Redwood Drive, Ferndown.

The 54-year-old man suffered fatal injuries in the incident on the morning of Tuesday, July 5.

He was employed by highways firm Kiely Bros and was carrying out road resurfacing work on behalf of Dorset Council.

Stefanski, whose address was given as Poole Road, Lytchett Matravers, appeared before Poole Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 7.

During the hearing the defendant did not enter a plea to the charge. He was remanded in custody, with a hearing due to take place at the same court on Monday, July 11.

Bournemouth Echo: Redwood Drive in FerndownRedwood Drive in Ferndown

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 6, road construction firm Kiely Bros said: "It is with deepest regret that a member from one of our Kiely Highways surfacing team was involved in an incident on site which unfortunately resulted in his death.

"The incident is now in the hands of the Health and Safety Executive and other associated agencies so, at this stage, we are unfortunately unable to comment any further.

"We can confirm that senior representatives of the Kiely Highways business were immediately dispatched to the site and local area to offer the company's assistance in every possible way.

"Kiely Bros are offering full support to all employees at this difficult time.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased at this sad time, and the company will be offering its full support and assistance going forward."

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: "We can confirm that a Kiely Bros contractor was tragically killed in an accident while carrying out road resurfacing for Dorset Council in Ferndown.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with the gentleman’s family and friends at this difficult time."