A trial date has been set for a firefighter accused of causing a crash which claimed a woman's life.

Kevin Simpkins appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday, February 20, where he entered a not guilty plea to a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

It follows a crash at the junction of Crewe Road and Close Lane in Alsager on the morning of Friday, March 28, 2025.

Upon arrival, officers found a Lexus had been involved in a collision with a fire engine, driven by 57-year-old Simpkins from Congleton.

The driver of the car, 59-year-old Judy Lea, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Royal Stoke Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

At court on Friday, Simpkins, of Chaffinch Close, admitted to causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

However, he denied a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

As a result, Simpkins has been bailed to stand trial at Chester Crown Court the week commencing March 29, 2027.

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The trial is expected to last three days.

A pre-trial review is scheduled to take place at the same court on February 26, 2027.

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