Crawley man in court over Copthorne death

A MAN has appeared in court accused of killing a pensioner.

Leonard Jones, from Furnace Green, is charged with manslaughter after allegedly running over 70-year-old Joanna Hakesley.

Miss Hakesley died after being struck from behind by a red Mazda as she walked on a pavement near her home in Copthorne.

The car had been stolen days earlier and apparently hit Miss Hakesley while trying to escape police officers.

Jones, of Rhodes Way, also faces two charges of dangerous driving.

He was remanded in custody after a short hearing at Crawley Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old, who also has an address in Lingfield, is due to appear at Lewes Crown Court on November 20.

Miss Hakesley, of Bramble Close, died at Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel hours after the incident on October 28.

A statement released by her family said: "Joanna was born in Broughton, Northamptonshire, in 1939.

"She was a loving sister and someone who cared about her family and friends, especially her neighbours, whom she took it upon herself to care for.

"She will be greatly missed by all her family who cannot believe that she has been taken away so abruptly."

Commenting on the Crawley News website, Miss Hakesley's sister Sonia Coleman thanked people who had left tributes.

She wrote: "Thank you everyone for your comments.

"Just seeing these made me proud that Joanna was my sister.

"She was a lovely person who cared for others and worked hard all her life. I am really going to miss her."