Family rejects jailed lorry driver’s regret over death of 54-year-old cyclist

Mark Smith, 48, from Bradford, was behind the wheel of his HGV when an 8.2 tonne blast-proof cabin fell off and killed 54-year-old Susan Russell.

Smith, who has 27 years’ experience as a lorry driver, had secured the load with only two straps, one of which was not properly fastened, Hull Crown Court was told.

He had also failed to use any matting to stop the load, which was “metal on metal”, from slipping and without that it would have required 40 straps to keep it securely in place. The court heard Smith had travelled more than 50 miles from West Yorkshire to Hull with the specialist cabin hanging precariously off his trailer.

The mobile office was being transported to Salt End, east of Hull, to protect employees in the event of an explosion.

He was travelling at 20mph over the Garrison Road roundabout in Hull at about 7.30am on August 20 last year when the accident happened.

Ms Russell, who had two daughters and four grandchildren, suffered multiple injuries in the accident and was killed instantly.

Judge John Dowse said Smith had led an unblemished life but it was now in “tatters” as a result of his negligence. He said no sentence he passed, or remarks he made, would bring comfort to either family who had both been devastated by the accident.

However, the Judge also told Smith he had responsibility for the load and should have checked it was safe.

He said: “You should have inspected it; you should have had more straps; you should have stopped and you should have called for help.

“If you had done any of these things, I’m afraid it was more than likely this lady would not have lost her life.”

The court was also told that Smith was “riddled with guilt” and often had nightmares and flashbacks.

As he left the dock yesterday, Smith turned to the victim’s family and said: “I’m sorry to you all”.

His comments were angrily rejected by some family members.

Smith, of Royds Hall Avenue, Odsal, Bradford, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

He was disqualified from driving for four years and must take an extended driving test.