THE managing director of the Coniston Hotel and Spa has pleaded not guilty to one charge of causing the death of Judith Wadsworth by careless or inconsiderate driving.

The death of the 66-year-old, from Baildon, occurred on the evening of February 7, 2020, in the grounds of the hotel at Coniston Cold, north-west of Skipton.

Nick Bannister, 63, of Mark House Lane, Bell Busk, a hamlet not far from the hotel, denied the allegation when he appeared before magistrates sitting in Harrogate this morning.

The defendant elected a crown court trial and the case was adjourned to Bradford Crown Court on October 6.

Bannister was given unconditional bail until the trial date.

Shortly after the incident, a statement from Mrs Wadsworth’s family described her as a beautiful selfless person who was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who would be missed by everyone who knew her.

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