Man in court accused of causing fellow lorry driver’s death on A66 …

A man has appeared in court accused of causing a wagon driver’s death following a head-on collision on the A66 between Penrith and Appleby.

Nathan Michael Walker, 26, was charged following a crash between two lorries travelling in opposite directions on December 22 2021 in the area of Kirkby Thore shortly after 5am.

Driving one vehicle was Paul Stenner, a 60-year-old man from the Lincolnshire area. Mr Stenner died following the collision.

At Carlisle Crown Court this afternoon, Walker pleaded not guilty to one charge. This alleges that he drove a MAN large goods vehicle without due care and attention, and therefore caused Mr Stenner’s death.

A trial in front of a jury was listed during today’s 10-minute hearing during which Walker — represented by lawyer John Dye — spoke to enter the plea and confirm his name and date of birth.

This trial is due to start on August 5 and, it is estimated, will last around four days with expert evidence potentially being called at the hearing.

In the meantime Walker, of Hall Close, Hemsworth, neat Pontefract, has been granted unconditional bail and reminded to co-operate with his legal team in the preparation of a statement formally outlining his defence to the allegation.

Walker is next due to attend a hearing at the crown court on May 9 when progress of the case will be reviewed.