Lorry driver charged with killing Pc as he helps woman stranded on M1

A LORRY driver accused of causing the death of a police officer who was hit by a vehicle as he helped a stranded motorist on a motorway has had his case referred to Crown Court.

By The Newsroom

Published 13th Jun 2012, 13:17 BST

Andrew Abernethy, 45, of Rembrandt Walk, Oldham, Greater Manchester, is charged with causing the death by dangerous driving of Pc Mark Goodlad.

Abernethy, who is on bail, appeared briefly at Wakefield Magistrates’ Court today.

Wearing a blue polo shirt and dark blue trousers, Abernethy spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

He will next appear at Leeds Crown Court on June 20.

Pc Goodlad, 41, died when an orange Scania articulated heavy goods vehicle hit a marked BMW X5 police car and a grey Suzuki Swift on the southbound carriageway of the M1, near Crigglestone in West Yorkshire, officers said after the tragedy on October 24 last year.

The police car and the Suzuki were both stationary on the hard shoulder.

Pc Goodlad was between the two vehicles, helping the 51-year-old female driver of the Suzuki. The woman suffered minor injuries in the incident.

Lorry driver Oldham