Shropshire death crash lorry driver avoids prison

Christopher Cummings was handed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, for being responsible for the death of Mary Roberts, from Market Drayton.

Cummings, 43, of Halifax Drive, Leegomery, and Mrs Roberts were involved in the crash on the A529 at the Sweet Appletree crossroads, near Hinstock, on May 5 last year.

Mrs Roberts was a passenger in a silver Renault Megane. Her 81-year-old husband, Derek, who was driving, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Shrewsbury Crown Court heard Cummings had been driving along a minor road when he failed to stop at a junction, resulting in the crash on the A529 with the Renault, which was travelling towards Market Drayton.

Judge Jim Tindal told the court there had been 12 similar accidents, including five serious, at the same spot in the last decade.

Sentencing Cummings for causing death by dangerous driving, the judge said: "When you approached the junction the onus was on you as a professional driver to be particularly careful and you weren't.

"You came up to the junction and thought the road was clear and didn't stop before pulling out. You always accepted responsibility for what happened, but it caused catastrophic consequences for this family. You know that. There is no punishment worse than what you have already inflicted on yourself."

Mr Nicholas Tatlow, prosecuting, said there was no defects with the lorry or road surface, the weather was fine, and there was no alcohol in Cummings' system.

"He failed to give way to Mr Roberts who was given no time to react," he said.

Mr Kevin McLoughlin, defending, told the court Cummings had relied on gaps in the hedgerow to see if any traffic was on the main road as he approached the junction.

"Christopher Cummings stands before this court mortified," he said. "It resulted in a catastrophe for the family and he has instructed me to offer an abject apology."

Cummings was also disqualified from driving for five years.

Mrs Roberts' family said they were "mortified" with the ruling and believed Cummings should have been sent to prison.