Lorry Driver Jailed After Fatal Crane Incident in Cambridgeshire

Driver Imprisoned After Tragic Incident

Kevin Miller, 71, of King's Lynn, Norfolk, has been sentenced to 13 months' imprisonment after admitting to causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving. The incident, which occurred on 22nd September 2022 in Willingham, Cambridgeshire, resulted in the death of Rebecca Ableman, an NHS healthcare assistant.

Ms Ableman, 30, was walking along a pavement with her two-year-old daughter when she was struck from behind by an unsecured crane grabber on Mr Miller's lorry. She sustained "catastrophic" brain injuries and sadly passed away three weeks later.

Negligence Highlighted in Court

During the sentencing at Peterborough Crown Court, Judge Matthew Lowe stated, "Securing the crane unit would have been the work of moments." Prosecutors revealed that Mr Miller's crane equipment was inadequately secured, with the grabber hanging over the side of his trailer as he drove through the village. It was also noted that the lorry was "poorly" maintained, and Mr Miller had failed to take the "elementary precaution of strapping the crane boom down separately."

Ms Ableman's family expressed their profound grief and called for a clear message that "safety must always come first." Her father, Russell, movingly stated that her "final act" was to push her daughter away, declaring his daughter "died a hero."

Mr Miller, who pleaded guilty in February this year, claimed he was unaware of the incident until questioned by police. He will also be disqualified from driving for two years upon his release from prison.