A lorry driver has appeared in court following an accident in which a young woman allegedly suffered life-changing injuries.

Slawomir Kotlowski is facing two allegations relating to an incident that occurred on the westbound carriageway of the A35 at Lyndhurst on October 31 2022.

He is accused of having an insecure load and causing serious injury by careless driving.

Appearing at Southampton Magistrates' Court, Kotlowski, 41, of Collenswood Road in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, did not enter any pleas.

The two magistrates declined jurisdiction, citing what they described as the "nature and seriousness" of the allegations.

Kotlowski was remanded on unconditional bail to appear at Southampton Crown Court on March 28 2024.

The pedestrian, named in court as Chloe Evans, was on her lunch break when the accident happened at around 12.10pm.

Laura Reece-Jenkins, prosecuting, said Miss Evans was walking along the pavement when she was hit by items that fell from a passing lorry.

She added: "Two pallets landed directly on Miss Evans, causing traumatic, life-threatening injuries."

Miss Evans, 23, of Totton, was working for New Forest District Council at the time of the accident.