Legal News

A lorry driver who collided with a young mother who died as a result has been found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

On 4 June 2015, 25-year-old William Stewart was driving a Ford Iveco with the metal stabiliser extended at the side of the vehicle.

The leg demolished a traffic light, before hitting Natalie Thorpe, 29, on Dunham Road in Altrincham, Cheshire.

Ms Thorpe was standing at a pedestrian crossing – and after hitting her, Stewart then drove on, striking a Volkswagen Golf which was waiting at the junction.

He will be sentenced at a later date.

After the hearing, Senior Crown Prosecutor for the North West Complex Casework Unit, Joanna Ingle, said:

“This is a tragic case, whereby a woman has lost her life due to William Stewart's negligence.

“He failed to safely secure the metal stabiliser before he drove the lorry.

“He ignored the safety alarm – which was clearly heard by those on the street at the time – that should have alerted him that something was wrong.

“He failed to look in his mirrors, where he would have seen the stabiliser was not secured correctly – and then continued driving, seemingly oblivious to the wave of destruction he left in his path.

“Drivers of HGV vehicles bear a heavy responsibility, due to the sheer size of the vehicles – therefore, it is imperative they comply with all necessary safety procedures before taking to our roads.

“William Stewart's driving that day fell far below that expected of a competent and careful driver, with catastrophic results.

“Natalie Thorpe leaves behind a 12-year-old son. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to her family and friends – our thoughts are very much with them at this time.

“This case highlights the horrific consequences which can occur when someone does not follow the correct safety procedures while driving a heavy goods vehicle.

“The CPS and police will continue to work together to bring before the courts those who put the lives of others at risk by not driving safely on our roads.”

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