A man will go on trial next year accused of killing a "fun-loving" Welling woman in a speedboat crash on the Thames while they were on a first date.

Charlotte Brown, 24, died in hospital after she and Jack Shepherd, 30, ended up in the water near Wandsworth Bridge.

Police had been called after shouts were heard at around 11.45pm on December 8, 2015.

Shepherd, of Paddington, appeared at the Old Bailey charged with manslaughter by gross negligence.

The charge alleges that he unlawfully killed Miss Brown at Butlers Wharf, Wandsworth.

Miss Brown, who was known as Charli, was described as having a "cheeky smile, loving heart and vibrant personality" in a tribute left by her family.

Shepherd, who is on unconditional bail, did not enter a plea.

Dressed in a dark suit, he spoke only to confirm his identity, date of birth and British nationality.

Shepherd, who previously lived in Bristol, is due to face a three-week trial at the Old Bailey on July 2.

A further plea and case management hearing was fixed for January 19.

Miss Brown was an English Literature graduate and business development consultant.