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Death crash verdict 'imminent'
Page 7
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THE BOSS OF a car transporter firm who faces charges of manslaughter is expected to hear his fate this week.
Paul Duckmanton, who owns Rotherham-based CarTrans, has already admitted to falsifying documents following the death of pensioner Joyce McVey. who was hit by one of his vehicles when it mounted a pavement in Southampton. Its brakes had allegedly failed (CM 16 September).
David Bartlett, prosecuting,told Winchester Crown Court that despite Duckmanton's protestations that the accident was driver Michael Roberts' fault, he was ultimately to blame.
Bartlett alleged Duckmanton had failed to undertake regular maintenance on the company's vehicles and had ignored Roberts' concerns after the brakes on his vehicle allegedly failed in exactly the same spot two days earlier.
"We submit that it's gross negli gence which was a significant cause of the death of Mrs McVey," Bartlett added. "While Michael Roberts is partially responsible. the prime responsibility lies fairly and squarely with the defendant."
However, Philip Hackett, for Duckmanton, said that although the brakes may have needed adjusting,their condition was not a factor in the accident. Instead he blamed Roberts' failure to brake at traffic lights in time: "Michael Roberts was not a man who was afraid to speak his mind. He was not a wilting flower and he had had three minor accidents before.They had all arisen from inconsiderate driving or lack of attention."
The trial continues.