DRIVER FACING JAIL
WOMAN WAITING AT CROSSING KILLED BY TRUCK’S STABILISING ARM STICKING OUT FROM SIDE
A lorry driver has been found guilty of killing a woman who was struck by a metal stabiliser extending out from the side of his truck. William Stewart had denied causing Natalie Thorpe’s death by dangerous driving. The mum-of-one, aged 29, was killed instantly as she waited at a pedestrian crossing at Dunham Road, Altrincham (pictured).
A LORRY driver has been found guilty of killing a woman who was struck by a metal stabiliser extending out from the side of his truck.
William Stewart had denied causing Natalie Thorpe’s death by dangerous driving.
The mum-of-one, aged 29, was killed instantly as she waited at a pedestrian crossing at Dunham Road, Altrincham.
Stewart, an agency driver working for Block n Mesh Fencing in Birkenhead, was at the wheel of the Ford Iveco.
He had failed to secure the stabiliser in place and ignored a warning alarm which could clearly be heard by pedestrians on the street.
Natalie, from Altrincham, had just left work at the Elite Dress Agency when she was struck by the metal arm at around 5pm on May 29 last year.
The lorry went on to collide with a Volkswagen Golf before coming to a stop at the junction with Groby Road.
Stewart, 25, of Cross Heys Avenue, Birkenhead, was convicted by a jury at Preston Crown Court. Members of his family gasped and sobbed as the guilty verdict was returned.
Joanna Ingle, senior crown prosecutor for the North West Complex Casework Unit said: “This is a tragic case whereby a woman has lost her life due to William Stewart’s negligence.
“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 whilst driving a heavy goods vehicle. The Crown Prosecution Service 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.”
Stewart is due to be sentenced on September 29.
Judge Heather Lloyd told him: “I well understand how your family will now be upset because they face the prospect, as do you, that you will be facing a lengthy custodial sentence.
“Miss Thorpe had no choice in the matter of whether she lived or died.”