Trucker on trial over M62 death of South Elmsall teenager

Kevin Ollerhead, 45, is accused of causing the death of Bethany Jones, 18, by dangerous driving on the M62 on April 26 last year.

Leeds Crown Court heard how Miss Jones, of Bradley Carr Terrace, was one of 20 ladies travelling on as minibus to a hen do in Liverpool.

But their minibus developed a mechanical fault and was being driven at a ‘snail’s pace’ along the near side lane of the westbound M62, near Junction 32 at Pontefract.

The jury heard how Ollerhead’s DAF truck drove straight into the back of the minibus, which was shunted off the carriageway and went over a crash barrier. It ended up on its side on the exit road.

Miss Jones died from multiple injuries. All of the passengers on the coach were injured,

The jury heard minibus driver James Johnson, 64, of Whytecote End, Wyke, Bradford, has already pleaded guilty to causing Miss Jones’s death by dangerous driving. But Ollerhead, of Lincoln Crescent, St Helens, denies the same charge, saying he could do nothing to avoid the collision.

But prosecutor Bryan Cox QC said: “By simply driving straight into the rear of the coach without braking, he too is guilty of dangerous driving. That’s the issue you will have to decide in this case.”

The trial, which began today (Monday) continues tomorrow.