A POLICE officer accused of causing the death of a Ramsbottom restaurant worker has appeared in court.

PC Brendan Buggie, of Rochdale Road, Edenfield, is charged with causing death by driving without due care and attention whilst unfit through drink, and driving a car after consuming alcohol in excess of the legal limit.

Justyna Stanczak, aged 26, died on December 5 after the Toyota Celica in which she was a passenger collided with a van parked in Manchester Road, Ramsbottom.

She was manager of The First Chop restaurant in Ramsbottom and lived in Bury.

Buggie, aged 38, did not enter a formal plea at Bury Magistrates Court.

But Nick Holroyd, defending, indicated to magistrates he would plead not guilty to causing death by driving without due care and attention.

Buggie, a Greater Manchester Police tactical aid unit officer currently suspended from duty, was bailed to appear at Bolton Crown Court on May 22.