Lorry driver who killed pedestrian given suspended term

A lorry driver who caused the death of a "much-loved wife and mother," who was knocked down in County Antrim, has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Mother-of-three, Anne Brown, who was a pedestrian, died after being hit by a lorry driven by Patrick Campbell on the Antrim Road in Glengormley in February, 2022.

Campbell, 49, of Lurgan Road in Crumlin, was given an eight-month sentence, suspended for two years,

He had previously admitted causing the death of Mrs Brown by dangerous driving.

Belfast Crown Court heard that Mrs Brown, who was in her 60s, was crossing the road at a pelican crossing operated by traffic lights when she was struck by the lorry.

Eyewitnesses described seeing her waiting at the lights and crossing the road when the green light indicated it was safe for her to do so.

The witnesses saw her being struck by Campbell's lorry and that after the impact Campbell got out of his vehicle with his hands on his head and said: "I didn't see her".

Prior to this, Campbell's front seat passenger saw a person walking across the road in front of the lorry and as the lights were red shouted "stop".

Mrs Brown sustained a catastrophic brain injury and died in hospital.

Acknowledging the "tragic circumstances" in the case, the judge said Mrs Brown was a "much-loved wife, mother and sister".

The judge spoke of the "great dignity" her family displayed via their Victim Impact Statements which set out their "devastating loss."

"She was a loving and caring woman, trust-worthy, honest and intelligent. Someone with integrity, strong morals and faith," she said.

"She was the driving force in the Brown family - a devoted mother and carer."

The court heard Campbell had failed to see the lights change from green to red, he was travelling at a low speed and that the glare of the low-lying winter sun may have caused visual difficulties.

The judge said a probation officer described Campbell as "clearly distressed and tearful", that "he thinks about what happened daily and questions how he could have prevented this tragedy" and that he feels "an immense sense of guilt".

Disqualifying Campbell from driving for two years, the judge imposed the suspended sentence and warned him of the consequences should he re-offend within the next two years.