[A] JURY in the trial of man accused of causing the death of a fellow motorist by dangerous driving has retired to consider its verdict.
Nigel Stevens, 55, faces two charges following a fatal collision, on the B5305 near Wigton, which claimed the life of 53-year-old van driver David Mitchell. This occurred in darkness on the evening of November 6, 2015.
A jury at Carlisle Crown Court has heard Stevens admits causing the death of Mr Mitchell by careless driving – but denies that his driving was dangerous.
Stevens is said to have been attempting a reversing manoeuvre in his HGV which left the potato-laden trailer “across both carriageways”.
Mr Mitchell’s van crashed into the trailer – an expert has estimated at 30-40mph – suffering fatal head injuries.
Stevens, of Greenrigg Cottages, near Wigton, maintains that a manoeuvre he had carried out “many times before” was safe.
Summing up the case today (THURS), Judge Peter Hughes QC said the question of safety was one of several for the jury to consider.
The “ultimate” one, Judge Hughes stated, was whether Stevens’ actions fell “far below” the standard expected of a careful and competent driver.
