AN art teacher has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after an 85-year-old was hit by a vehicle in a supermarket car park.

Colin Kirby-Green, 89, is accused of causing the death of Patricia Jepson in August last year when he was behind the wheel of a Kia Venga at a Waitrose car park in St Andrews Gardens, Colchester.

Kirby-Green, who worked at Colchester Grammar School, was due to appear before magistrates in April charged with failing to stop after a road accident, failing to report a road accident, and driving a motor vehicle on a road with eyesight which did not comply with requirements.

Absent - Colin Kirby-Green did not attend Colchester Magistrates' Court on TuesdayAbsent - Colin Kirby-Green did not attend Colchester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

After he failed to attend court, another hearing was scheduled on Tuesday, but Kirby-Green failed to show for a second time citing mobility issues.

The case was committed to Ipswich Crown Court where Kirby-Green will face a fourth charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

No pleas have been entered by Kirby-Green, of East End Green, Brightlingsea.

At an inquest hearing held shortly after Mrs Jepson’s death last year, a coroner said the 85-year-old was treated by paramedics after and then airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, for further treatment.

Essex Police said her injuries were extensive and Ms Jepson sadly died in hospital nine days later.

The inquest was suspended so the force’s serious collision investigation unit could look into the incident further.

Georgia-Mae Chung, defending, asked for a psychiatric report to be prepared before Kirby-Green appears before a crown court judge next month.

District Judge Christopher Williams said: “The crown court really are going to want on the first occasion to progress this matter.”

Crown - a psychiatric report will be prepared before Kirby-Green attends Ipswich Crown Court next monthCrown - a psychiatric report will be prepared before Kirby-Green attends Ipswich Crown Court next month (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

Kirby-Green, who was remanded on unconditional bail, will now appear at Ipswich Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing at 10am on Tuesday, August 6.

Mr Williams said: “On that occasion, if he pleads guilty, he will be sentenced – if not, it will be sent for trial.

“If he doesn’t attend, a warrant will be issued for his arrest.”