Lorry driver admits causing death of ‘fun-loving’ man in A55 crash

A lorry driver has admitted causing the death of a “fun-loving” man in a crash on the A55 by driving carelessly. Ian Owen, of Tyn Rhos[1] in Gaerwen[2], pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving at Caernarfon[3] Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Owen, 40, admitted being responsible for the death of 52-year-old Marc Winston Roberts, of the Amlwch[4] area of Anglesey[5]. The horror crash happened on January 20 last year in the early hours of the morning on the A55 Britannia Bridge[6].

Owen has reportedly been handed an interim driving ban ahead of a sentencing hearing at Caernarfon Crown Court[7] on Friday, September 8. The crash involved two lorries and two cars.

At an inquest opening, a coroner said Mr Roberts was travelling home from work along the A55[9] in the early hours of Thursday morning when the crash took place. It was said that he had been waiting at traffic lights near the bridge when a trailer “ploughed” into the back of his car[10].

The 52-year-old sustained “severe neck and chest injuries” in the collision. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a paramedic.

Traffic was diverted off the A55
Traffic was diverted off the A55

In a statement issued via North Wales Police[11] shortly after his tragic death, Mr Roberts’ family said: “Marc was a fun-loving individual who loved life and his job as an electrical craftsman. Time spent in his company was enjoyed by friends, family and colleagues alike.

“Although his life [was] cut tragically short, it was filled with happiness and he shared a unique bond with his four-legged ‘best mate’ Leo. He will be sadly missed by Jane and Gareth, Carys, Sion and Elin and everyone who knew him for his character and sense of humour. There was never a dull moment around Marc!”

References

  1. ^ Rhos (www.dailypost.co.uk)
  2. ^ Gaerwen (www.dailypost.co.uk)
  3. ^ Caernarfon (www.dailypost.co.uk)
  4. ^ Amlwch (www.dailypost.co.uk)
  5. ^ Anglesey (www.dailypost.co.uk)
  6. ^ on the A55 Britannia Bridge (www.dailypost.co.uk)
  7. ^ Caernarfon Crown Court (www.dailypost.co.uk)
  8. ^ Pensioners had more than £25k stolen at Welsh supermarket cash machines by calculated pair (www.dailypost.co.uk)
  9. ^ A55 (www.dailypost.co.uk)
  10. ^ It was said that he had been waiting at traffic lights near the bridge when a trailer “ploughed” into the back of his car (www.dailypost.co.uk)
  11. ^ North Wales Police (www.dailypost.co.uk)