Driver jailed after his crane hit mum pushing pram

Driver Jailed After Crane Equipment Strikes Mother Pushing Pram

Kevin Miller, a 71-year-old lorry driver from Norfolk, received a 13-month prison sentence after a tragic accident in a Cambridgeshire village. The incident occurred on 22 September 2022, when Rebecca Ableman, a 30-year-old NHS healthcare assistant, was fatally injured by loose crane parts while walking with her two-year-old daughter, Autumn, on a local pavement.

Ableman was struck on the head from behind as she exited a farm shop on Station Road. The crash left her with catastrophic brain injuries, resulting in her death three weeks later. According to the judge, securing the crane unit would have required only a moment’s attention. Miller’s trial, initially set for April 2025, was delayed after his legal team requested more time to prepare. He later admitted to causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving in February 2025, just before the second trial was due to begin.

“Securing the crane unit would have been the work of moments,” said Judge Matthew Lowe during the sentencing hearing at Peterborough Crown Court.

The judge noted that Miller had become aware of the crane’s movement after leaving Willingham and had hydraulically repositioned the equipment. However, he claimed ignorance until police questioned him, stating, “What’s happened mate? I ain’t hit no-one,” and expressing regret for not stopping the vehicle upon realizing the danger.

Ableman’s father, Russell, told the court in a statement that his daughter’s final act was to push Autumn away from harm. “She died a hero,” he said, highlighting her dedication to helping patients with mental health challenges at Fulbourn Hospital near Cambridge. Her mother, Susann, added, “I will be eternally grateful that Autumn was unharmed,” emphasizing the emotional toll on the family.

“Becky died because basic safety measures were not taken,” said Chris Tuczemskyi, Ableman’s partner and father of Autumn, urging the court to send a clear message about prioritizing safety.

Prosecutors argued that Miller’s failure to secure the crane’s boom properly was a key factor. “He had not taken an elementary precaution of strapping the crane boom down separately,” stated William Carter, the prosecuting barrister. They also pointed out that the lorry was poorly maintained, contributing to the risk. In contrast, John Dye, Miller’s defense lawyer, described the event as an “unfathomable” tragedy, noting the driver’s 40 years of experience and his lack of prior driving convictions.

The judge concluded that Miller’s negligence in securing the crane was the direct cause of Ableman’s death. He also criticized the defendant’s “slipshod approach” to vehicle maintenance, stating that industry guidelines had been “firmed up” to address such risks. As part of his sentence, Miller has been banned from driving for two years upon release.