Van driver faces trial over pensioner death - The Leamington Observer

Van driver faces trial over pensioner death

Leamington Editorial 6th Sep, 2015 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

A DELIVERY driver is to stand trial after his refrigerated van rolled across a Southam pub car park and onto the pavement, killing a passing pensioner.

And although he was not even in the Mercedes van at the time, Matheeb Iqbal is accused of driving carelessly by failing to put the handbrake on properly.

The 22 year-old of Lime Grove, Lozells, Birmingham, pleaded not guilty at Warwick Crown Court to causing the death of mother-of-two Susan Collins by careless driving.

It is said he drove a Mercedes Sprinter van carelessly on the car park of the Bowling Green Inn in Coventry Street resulting in 65-year-old Mrs Collins’ death on January 8.




The charge follows an incident on December 30 after Iqbal parked the refrigerated van on the pub car park as he made a delivery to the pub.

While he was away from the vehicle it rolled backwards across the car park, over a kerb and onto the pavement where it struck Mrs Collins, who lived in Southam, as she was walking past.


Prosecutor Simon Ward explained: “The issue is whether the handbrake was on or whether there was a mechanical defect.”

The court heard there was CCTV footage which showed what happened.

Mr Ward said: “He leaves the vehicle and slams the heavy fridge door at the side. After a period of ten to 20 seconds it begins to roll away slowly, and only gains speed to six miles an hour at the moment of the tragic accident.”

Told Iqbal’s trial could not take place before April next year, and that there has still not been an inquest, Judge Richard Griffith-

Jones said the family was experiencing a second tragedy as Mrs Collins’s husband Paul – who worked on the crime desk at Stratford police station – had been killed in a motorcycle accident three years ago.

The case was adjourned for trial, and Iqbal was granted bail.

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Leamington Observer newspaper.

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.