A mum-of-two has been charged with causing the death of a “conscientious and considerate” young mechanic in Broad Hinton a year ago.

Appearing before Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning, Sarah Mann, 37, of Cranmore Avenue, Park South, entered no pleas to charges of causing the death of Joe Hayward by dangerous driving and serious injury to another man on Sunday, March 10 last year.

She was bailed to return to the crown court on July 31 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

Sarah Mann (right) outside Swindon Crown Court

It is said Mann’s Chrysler Voyager overtook a school coach on the A4361 in Broad Hinton and hit Mr Hayward’s Peugeot 106 head-on. The crash happened shortly after 3.15pm.

The 26-year-old grew up in Devizes and completed a diploma in motor sport engineering at Lackham College before doing an apprenticeship with Audi in Swindon.

In a tribute released at the time, his family said: “Joe was a conscientious and considerate young man with a quiet charm and sense of mischief.

“He loved his family and friends and was often called upon to fix their cars in his spare time.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

Victim Joe Hayward

“He was highly regarded by his colleagues at Audi as a very competent technician. Cars were his great passion and he spent many hours restoring his collection of Peugeot 106s. He was a popular member of the Peugeot 106 owners club."

He had two siblings and was preparing to become a first-time uncle, his family said. "Joe will be missed by many.”