[A] LORRY driver accused of causing a fellow motorist’s death by dangerous driving on the A66 in Cumbria will go on trial later this year.
Ashley Cole, 56, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today (FRI).
During a short hearing before Judge James Adkin, Cole denied one charge. This alleges that he caused the death of Jamie Armstrong, on September 8, 2016, by dangerous driving of a Scania tractor unit and trailer.
The charge arises out of an incident on the A66 trans-Pennine route, close to the Stainmore Cafe, where a Scania HGV driven by Cole and an Audi A4, driven by Mr Armstrong, were in collision. Emergency services were said to have been called to the crash scene at 5-22am.
During a 10-minute court hearing, Cole spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and nationality, and to enter a not guilty plea.
He will now go on trial before a jury at the crown court. It is estimated that the hearing, due to start on August 20, will last four days.
In the meantime Cole, of Mellor Lea Farm, Ecclesfield, Sheffield, was granted bail by Judge Adkin.
Thirty-year-old Mr Armstrong, of Haltwhistle, Northumberland, was pronounced dead at the scene following the collision, Cumbria police said at the time.
