HGV driver who caused death of woman outside Liverpool garage jailed
Alec Keiran admitted causing the death of Nicole Cummings by careless driving
Last updated 26th Sep 2024
A HGV driver who hit and killed a woman sleeping rough outside a garage in Liverpool has been jailed for 12 months.
Alec Keiran, 52, of Daisy Meadow, Bamber Bridge, was driving a lorry into the forecourt of the Shell garage on Scotland Road on 10 August 2023 when he hit Nicole Cummings, 24.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that Keiran knew it was a sharp turn into the forecourt and that he would be cutting over the pavement.
Tragically, he ran over Nicole who was sleeping on the pavement. She suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene.
A post-mortem ruled her cause of death as 'multiple crush injuries to the neck, head and chest.'
A driver nearby sounded his horn to try and warn Keiran about Nicole being there, but it was to no avail.
Keiran pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.
The court heard that if he'd have turned on his left indicator to the near side, it would have indicated his CCTV camera and shown what was to the near side.
It was also told that if he'd have got out of the vehicle to check, Nicole's death would have been avoided.
In a statement, Nicole's family said:
"The loss of Nicole has left a hole in all our hearts that cannot be filled. She will be forever loved and missed.
"Although Nicole had problems of her own, if she saw anybody in need, she would be the first to help. We have been told she would often help people with carrying shopping or whatever they needed.
"We would sincerely like to thank everyone that has ever shown Nicole any kindness, whether that be by giving her a drink or something to eat or spending time just to have a little chat with her. There are some truly wonderful kind people."
Nicole’s mum, Vanessa, added:
"My daughter Nicole, I miss you every day it hurts so much. We miss your smile, laugh, our daily phone calls. Your brothers and sisters miss you so much and so do your friends.
"My heart will forever be broken until we meet again my angel. Sleep tight, all my love, mum xxx."
Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, Lead Investigating Officer from the MATRIX Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:
"Our thoughts remain very much with Nicole’s family today as they continue to come to terms with their loss.
"They have shown remarkable composure throughout the investigation and have been supported by an experienced specially trained Family Liaison Officer throughout the case.
"Nicole was homeless and was well known by many people in the local area. She had been helped and supported by local organisations and charities and it’s clear from speaking with her family just how friendly and helpful she was to others.
"Any death on the road causes unimaginable harm and heartache to family and friends left behind. We see too often the needless harm that road death causes to our communities and we work tirelessly to reduce that harm.
"We are committed to the prevention of serious injury and death on the roads, to work towards Vision Zero – our strategy focused on reducing the amount of road traffic collisions in our region and to lower the number of people killed and seriously injured on our streets.
"We can’t do this alone and to that end, any information you have about drivers who flout the law can be reported to us and we will take action."
Keiran will serve no less than half of his sentence in custody before being released.
He's also been disqualified from driving for 12 months.