A lorry driver was today found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving in the tragic case of a woman killed while waiting to cross the road in Altrincham.
Natalie Thorpe, a 29-year-old Urmston resident who worked at Elite Dress Agency on Market Street, was stood at a pedestrian crossing on Dunham Road when she was killed instantly by the lorry’s metal stabiliser arm that had become loose.
William Stewart, the 25-year-old driver of the Ford Iveco lorry involved, was today found guilty of dangerous driving in relation to the June 2015 incident and will be sentenced at a later date.
After colliding with a traffic light and hitting Natalie, who had a 12-year-old son, the lorry went on to hit a black Volkswagen Golf before coming to a stop by the junction with Groby Road.
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.”
