Driver who killed Altrincham mum found guilty of causing her death
William Stewart will be jailed at a later date.
A 25 year old lorry driver has been found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving of 29 year old Natalie Thorpe on Dunham Rad, Altrincham in June last year.
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 as she stood at the pedestrian crossing. William Stewart then drove on striking a Volkswagen Golf which was waiting at the junction.
He will be sentenced at a later date.
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.
“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 whilst 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.”