Building firms fined ?123k after woman, 94, had both legs …
A pensioner lost both her legs after she was hit by a lorry at the Pembers Hill Park Development in Fair Oak (Image: Google Maps)
A pensioner lost both her legs after an ‘easily avoidable’ accident on a housing site.
The woman, 94, was walking along Mortimers Lane with her friend when she was struck by a lorry in April 2021.
Building materials were being delivered to the Pembers Hill Park Development, managed by Drew Smith Homes, Southampton[1] Magistrates’ Court heard.
The delivery driver was met by a traffic marshall from Baram Ltd, which was a sub-contractor for Drew Smith, now known as Countryside Partnership Southern.
Prosecuting, Mr Towey told the court how there was ‘a failure to see the risks.’
He said: “The driver of the vehicle, who was a third party, was instructed to go to the allocated site entrance.
“Upon arrival, the driver met with the banksman (traffic marshall) and the vehicle was parked on the public highway.
“The banksman positioned himself at the rear, but unbeknownst to him and the driver, the injured party and her friend planned to cross Mortimers Lane at that time.
“The woman was hit and flailed in front of the vehicle. An ambulance was immediately called.
“She had to have both her legs amputated and she is now reliant on third-party care.”
He added: “There was a failure to see the risks in a situation which was avoidable.”