Boxted driver accused of killing 83-year-old on A12

Steve Crowe, 47, appeared before Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday to face two charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and one charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

The court heard Russell Tillett had been driving a Vauxhall Zafira on the A12 southbound towards Howe Green at 8pm on January 3 last year when his vehicle was involved in a collision. 

Appearance – Steve Crowe confirmed his name, age, and address at a short hearing (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

Mr Tillett and passenger Wendy Tillett sustained serious injuries and mother Jennifer Tillett, from Bicknacre, who turned 83 that day, died three weeks later from her injuries.

Grace Court, prosecuting, said: “Serious injuries were received by Mr Tillett and Wendy Tillett.

Tragic – Jennifer Anne Tillett died as a result of the collision (Image: Essex Police) “Unfortunately, Jennifer had significant trauma and subsequently passed away as a result of her condition continuing to deteriorate.”

Crowe, of Straight Road, Boxted, appeared before District Judge Christopher Williams to confirm his name and address but did not enter a plea to two charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and one charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

Collision – Steve Crowe was driving on the A12 in January last year when the crash occurred (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

In a tribute after her death Jennifer – also known as Anne – was described as “the heart” of her family, and a “much-loved Mum, Nanna, sister, aunt and friend”.

Her family described her as “extremely kind, incredibly generous and really thoughtful".

She was known for her “great sense of humour” and her family and friends said she would be remembered as someone who “loved to laugh” with everyone.

Crowe will appear before Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday, November 26 where he is expected to deny all the charges against him.