Halifax lorry driver admits causing crash which killed beloved school …
A lorry driver has pleaded guilty to causing the death[1] of a beloved primary school support assistant. Derek Whitworth, 53, was charged after a fatal collision at the junction of Queens Road and Hanson Lane in Halifax on July 6, 2021. The collision killed Sonya Majid, a 32-year-old support assistant who worked at St Augustine's Primary School when she was killed.[2]
In December last year Whitworth's case was listed for a trial after he denied the charge of causing death by dangerous driving, but at a mention hearing before a judge at Bradford Crown Court[3] on Monday, he entered his guilty plea to the allegation. Whitworth, of Upper Greenroyd, Halifax, was told that his unconditional bail was being extended until his sentence hearing which has been fixed to take place on June 13. He admitted he had been driving the DAF truck without due care and attention and thereby caused the death of Ms Majid, who it was reported was on her way to work.
She tragically died at the scene. Following her death the school's headteacher paid tribute to Mrs Whitworth who was described by her family as a cherished wife, sister, daughter and aunt. Sign up for our West Yorkshire court newsletter.
If you can't see the sign up link below, click here.[5] Headteacher, Ruth Lee, said: "Sonya was a much-loved member of staff. She had a heart of gold and would put the needs of both children and staff before herself.
"The whole school community have felt the loss of a wonderful, caring and nurturing person who we were privileged to work alongside."
Judge Andrew Hatton adjourned the sentence hearing so that a pre-sentence report could be prepared but he told Whitworth he was holding out no promises at all as to how he would be dealt with.
References
- ^ causing the death (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ when she was killed. (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ Bradford Crown Court (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ Moment have-a-go-hero shop worker puts gun-wielding robber in a headlock (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ click here. (data.reachplc.com)
References
- ^ causing the death (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ when she was killed. (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ Bradford Crown Court (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ Moment have-a-go-hero shop worker puts gun-wielding robber in a headlock (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ click here. (data.reachplc.com)
References
- ^ causing the death (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ when she was killed. (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ Bradford Crown Court (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ Moment have-a-go-hero shop worker puts gun-wielding robber in a headlock (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ click here. (data.reachplc.com)