A 28-YEAR-OLD man is to return from India after being charged with causing the death of a pensioner by careless driving.

Former Blackburn mill worker Maria Parkinson died following a collision with a VW Golf driven by Hussain Ali.

The accident happened at the traffic light junction of Buncer Lane into Spring Lane in July 2012.

Blackburn magistrates heard initial police inquiries into the death of the 79-year-old great grandmother had not resulted in any charges.

But proceedings were instituted following a coroner’s inquest in April, in which a verdict of accidental death was recorded.

Hussain Ali, of St Silas’s Road, Blackburn, has now been charged with causing the death of Mrs Parkinson by driving without due care and attention.

Andrew Church-Taylor, defending, told the court his client was currently in India but had been made aware of the summons and would be returning on December 31 in time for the next hearing on January 6.

Mrs Parkinson, also known as Marie, was from the Bank Top area of Blackburn.

She left behind her husband of 56 years, Jim, three daughters, Denise, Patricia and Barbara and a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Speaking shortly after his wife’s death, Mr Parkinson said: “She was the best anyone could wish for and will be sorely missed by her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“Marie worked for many years at Witton Mill and she enjoyed going dancing and socialising with her many close friends.

“She was always willing to help anyone and nothing was too much trouble.”