A lorry driver has made his first crown court appearance after a woman suffered life-changing injuries when items fell off the back of a lorry. 

Slawomir Kotlowski appeared at Southampton Crown Court today accused of causing serious injury by careless driving. 

It follows an incident on the westbound carriageway of the A35 in Lyndhurst on October 31, 2022. 

Chloe Evans had been on her lunch break and was walking along the pavement when she was hit by paving slabs that fell from a passing lorry.

READ MORE: New Forest: Man, 41, accused of careless driving after Lyndhurst crash

The 23-year-old from Totton suffered life-threatening injuries during the incident which took place at around 12.10pm. 

She was working for New Forest District Council at the time of the incident.

No pleas were entered during the hearing. 

Daily Echo: A woman was struck by paving slabs that fell from a lorry on the A35 Lyndhurst on October 31, 2022.A woman was struck by paving slabs that fell from a lorry on the A35 Lyndhurst on October 31, 2022. (Image: NQ)

His barrister, Ian Bridge told the court: "He is horrified of what has happened to this young lady."

Kotlowski, 41, of Collenswood Road, Stevenage still works as a lorry driver .

He was bailed to appear at the same court on August 16. 

A trial date has been set for October 23.