A woman has appeared in court charged with killing a 100-year-old great great grandmother during a crash in an Asda car park.

Cherise Lyons, 57, was in tears as she stood in the dock at Southend Magistrates’ Court yesterday to confirm her name and address.

She was charged with one count of causing death by dangerous driving in connection to the death of 100-year-old Joan Roskilly on November 29 last year.

The crash took place in the car park of Asda supermarket, in Shoebury.

The great-great grandmother, who had battled cancer, a kidney transplant and survived two world wars and four heart attacks, had celebrated her landmark birthday just months earlier.

An inquest into her death was opened on December 13 where it was stated “a stationary car moved forward and hit a bollard and Mrs Roskilly, who died that day”.

Chelmsford Coroner’s Court heard that Mrs Roskilly, who lived at Homeowan House, in Station Road, Thorpe Bay, died from leg and pelvic injuries, according to a post-mortem which was carried out at Southend Hospital.

Lyons, of Kingsmill Road, Dagenham, who appeared at the magistrates’ court wearing a dark coat and dark trousers, was unable to enter a plea due to the serious nature of the charge.

Chairman of the bench Ann Wade said: “This matter must be sent to the crown court as magistrates are not permitted to deal with this charge.

“The next stage will be at Basildon Crown Court.”

Lyons, whose family was sat in the public gallery, was granted unconditional bail until a plea and trial preparation hearing can take place in January.

Speaking to the Echo after Mrs Roskilly died, her granddaughter Alexandra Cole, 53, said: “She drove buses during the Second World War and in her heyday she loved dancing.

“She was very active and hands on. She still played bridge four times a week.

“She would help anybody and always looked at the good side of people.

“Everyone she met loved her, she made everyone feel welcome.”

Mrs Roskilly had 14 grandchildren.