A man who caused the death of a Cheshire lollipop lady has been spared jail after being sentenced for careless driving. Nicola Jane Connolly, 54, died following a crash involving a motorcycle and a van in Northwich Road, Dutton, Northwich, on September 15, 2023.
Crash details
The motorcycle, ridden by Graham Worthington, 56, of Roscoe Crescent, Runcorn, was travelling towards Northwich with Nicola as a pillion passenger. Traffic was slow, and Worthington had been overtaking at a slow speed when the motorcycle lost balance and fell to the offside, into the path of an oncoming van.
Nicola was airlifted to hospital but died as a result of serious injuries on September 17, 2023. Worthington suffered minor injuries. Following an investigation, police concluded that Worthington was partially within the opposite carriageway when the motorcycle lost balance.
Sentence
Worthington appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday, October 12, to be sentenced for causing the death of Nicola by careless/inconsiderate driving. He was sentenced to nine months, suspended for 18 months, and disqualified from driving for two years.
Tributes
DS Russell Sime, of Cheshire Police's serious collision investigation unit, said: “Firstly, we would like to acknowledge how the family of the victim have conducted themselves throughout the court process and for their bravery in sharing such personal statements during the hearings.
“I know the judge mirrored this sentiment while passing sentence. The judge also commented on how clear it was that Nicola will be missed – as a mother, sister, nanna, auntie and friend.
“Nicola will be remembered as a loving member of the community. As a lollipop lady and midday assistant, she was cherished by the children she cared for.
“Although no sentence will bring her back, we hope the conclusion of these proceedings will bring some closure to her loved ones. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.”
Following her death, Nicola’s family paid tribute, saying: “On Sunday September 17, Nicola Jane Connolly tragically passed away after being involved in a road traffic collision in Cheshire.
“Nicola was a loving member of the community and the local schools. Her roles as a classroom assistant, midday assistant, and lollipop lady were for her, a devotion rather than a job. Nicola was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, auntie, and beloved friend to many.
“Words cannot describe how much she will truly be missed. We would like to thank the emergency services and members of the public for their help during the incident and ask that our privacy is respected at this difficult time.”
