Michael Little was praised by police for keeping his lorry under control

Michael Little, 53, died when a brick smashed into the cab of his 40-tonne lorry as he drove on the M3 last year.

Craig Harman, 19, of Glamis Close, Frimley, Surrey, appeared at the Old Bailey and was remanded in custody.

Mr Little, from Hornchurch, Essex, had suffered a heart attack but steered his lorry to safety off the motorway.

He had worked for the Ford motor company as a lorry driver for 26 years.

In November, he was posthumously honoured for his actions in controlling his vehicle in a ceremony in the United States.

Mr Little's partner Sue Norman flew to Ford's headquarters in Detroit to accept the award.

A memorial plaque is planned for the pedestrian bridge over the M3 close to where Mr Little died.