Reckless driving verdict over wheel loss fatality
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• A haulier and a driver have been convicted of causing death by reckless driving following a wheel-loss incident.
During a seven-day trial at Chester Crown Court, haulier Graham George, of Llanarmon Yn Ial, near Mold, and driver Graham George, of St. Mary's Road, Doddleston, Chester, denied causing the death of 24year-old expectant mother Frances Chevalier last March.
The jury heard that Mrs Chevalier was driving to work along the M53 when a wheel became detached from a tipper travelling in the opposite direction.
The wheel struck the central barrier, flew up in the air and struck Mrs Chevalier's car, killing her instantly.
The prosecution maintained that both Roberts and George were responsible because the wheel and hub were in a dangerous condition, and had been for some time. The danger of wheel detachment was known to every haulier and driver, which meant that they should have taken particular care over maintenance.
Evidence was given by a vehicle examiner that he had issued the vehicle with an immediate prohibition notice for a number of dangerous defects following the accident. Sentences were deferred pending social enquiry reports.