A WOMAN has been charged with perverting the course of justice after a popular footballer died following a five-vehicle crash.

Max Mayo, who played football for Hatfield Peverel FC, died as a result of severe chest injuries following the crash, in London Road, Kelvedon, in September.

Mr Mayo, who was "loved by all who knew him", was pronounced dead at the scene.

Hannah Humphrey, 36, of Bobbin Close, Coggeshall, was charged with perverting the course of justice and appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

She entered no plea and is next due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 29.

Liam O’Brien, 32, of Navarre Gardens, Romford, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court last month.

He denied three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing death by dangerous driving and dangerous driving in connection with the incident.

Judge Christopher Morgan set a trial date for March 6 next year.

During his appearance, O’Brien admitted charges of perverting the course of justice, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report an accident.

An inquest into Mr Mayo's death was held at Essex Coroner’s Court last month.

It heard the 30-year-old, who lived in Chelmsford, died from severe chest injuries.

Area Coroner Sonia Hayes formally suspended the inquest at the request of Essex Police while detectives continue their investigation.

The crash took place at around 9.30am on September 3.

Following his death, the footballer’s friends and loved ones hosted a poignant tribute to him in Kelvedon.

Hatfield Peverel FC also took to social media to pay tribute to a “top player but an even better guy who was loved by all who knew him”.

It reads: “We were honoured and privileged to not only call him our teammate but our good friend - Max will be deeply missed by us all but never forgotten.”