A man has been sentenced for causing the death of a 'cherished' mum who was killed in a crash involving a motorbike and a tipper, by careless driving. Nicola Jane Connolly, 54, was a passenger on a motorbike which was involved in a collision with a Ford Transit flatbed tipper in Cheshire in September 2023.
The 54-year-old lollipop lady, from Runcorn, was airlifted to hospital but sadly died two days later. The motorbike was travelling in the direction of Northwich, being ridden by Graham Worthington with Nicola as a pillion passenger.
Details of the crash
The traffic was slow and Worthington had been overtaking traffic 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 later died as a result of serious injuries on September 17, 2023. Worthington received minor injuries.
Following an investigation, it was concluded that Worthington was partially within the opposite carriageway when the motorcycle lost balance.
Court proceedings
DS Russell Sime of the 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."
Sentence
Graham Worthington, 56, of Roscoe Crescent, Runcorn, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday (October 12). He was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and disqualified from driving for two years for causing her death by careless/inconsiderate driving.
