Tipper lorry driver enters plea to charge after motorway crash

Anthony Baker, 47, will face a trial after pleading not guilty to allegations relating to the incident that closed the M5 in both directions for several hours.

Images taken at the scene showed a large empty trailer that crashed into the gantry – leaving it upright and wedged against the road surface.

It took place on Thursday, March 2 on the southbound carriageway between junction 17 at Cribbs Causeway and junction 18 at Avonmouth just outside of Bristol.

Nobody was injured in the crash, which left hydraulic fluid and severed electrical cables all over the motorway.

Baker, of Downend, South Gloucestershire, who entered a formal not guilty plea at a hearing at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday, August 17, will go on trial on June 17 next year.

He was released on unconditional bail by Judge Michael Cullum ahead of his next case management hearing at the same court on May 24, 2024.

Judge Cullum told him: “Your trial takes place on June 17. You have to attend.

“You remain on unconditional bail – but it can go ahead without you.

“You may leave the dock.”