Lorry driver cries whilst admitting careless driving caused horror M25 crash that killed four people

A lorry driver whose careless driving resulted in a horror crash on the M25 that took the lives of four people wept as details of the collision were read in court. Ethan Burdett, 67, admitted four counts of causing death by careless driving on August 23 in 2021. The motorway was shut for 11 hours between Junction 26 and 27 near Waltham Abbey in Essex after the collision involving a minibus, lorry and a car.

Abigael Muamba, 31, Dexter Augustus, 60, and Jennifer Smith, 59, died at the scene. Jennifer Smith, 44 died four days later in hospital. All were from London.

Burdett, of Ipswich Haven Marina in Ipswich, initially stood charged with four counts of causing death by dangerous driving but new CCTV footage resulted in prosecutors changing the amendment to death by careless driving and his guilty pleas were accepted. ALSO READ: The Range in Chelmsford taped off by police as strong winds causes serious damage[2] Family members of the victims gathered in court to oversee the hearing in Chelmsford.

The professional driver wore a dark coat over a suit and held onto part of the wooden dock structure whilst being addressed by His Honour Judge Morgan at Chelmsford Crown Court. A pre-sentence report will be produced and Burdett was warned that he could face a sentence of custodial imprisonment. Addressing Burdett, Judge Morgan said: “You have pleaded guilty, as I know you have understood, to a very serious matter.

You must not leave this court room with any feeling that if there’s a positive option [from a pre-sentence report] that’s an alternative to custody that that will follow.” Burdett, whose family attended court alongside him, was told he would be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on July 4.

A ‘helpful heart and youthful spirit’

In a tribute released shortly after the crash, Abigael’s family said her “smile and dedication” to her parents would be sorely missed and she would be remembered for her “helpful heart and youthful spirit”. They described how they are “truly heartbroken” at the loss of their daughter and went on to explain how anyone who knew Abigael would agree she was “generous” with her time, was “moral” and had so much life left to give to those she loved.

Jennifer Smith, who was a service manager from Stratford, was described as “a popular figure within her community” who was “loved beyond words” by her family. The 59-year-old helped vulnerable people, including mothers and babies, and adults facing difficulties. Dexter Augustus, 60, was a plasterer from Waltham Forest.

He was a son, brother, father, grandfather and friend. Dexter’s family expressed how he will “be greatly missed” but fondly remembered his passion for ice-skating, chess and how he enjoyed designing jewellery. He was studying computer programming and electronics.

Lisa Gardner’s family said she would be “missed greatly by all”. They fondly remember her as “always considerate”, “caring towards others” and “would always be there to help family and friends”. Both a “beautiful wife and mother”, Lisa adored her family and treasured the time they spent together; her life’s mission was to bring them all closer together.

But she also “left a kind mark” with everyone she met through her warmth and friendship.

Always full of life, her big heart knew no bounds; love and life was there to be shared.

Get more court and crime news from EssexLive straight to your inbox for FREE[3]

References

1. ^ Face of cruel burglar who fatally injured stolen dog after breaking into woman’s home (www.essexlive.news)
2. ^ The Range in Chelmsford taped off by police as strong winds causes serious damage (www.essexlive.news)
3. ^ straight to your inbox for FREE (www.essexlive.news)