Driver jailed after his crane hit mum pushing pram
Driver Jailed for Crane-Related Fatality
The Incident
Rebecca Ableman, a 30-year-old NHS healthcare assistant, lost her life in a tragic accident on September 22, 2022, when she was struck on the head by loose crane equipment while walking with her two-year-old daughter, Autumn, on a village pavement. The incident occurred near the B1050 in Willingham, Cambridgeshire, as Ableman exited a farm shop on Station Road. She suffered severe brain injuries and passed away three weeks later.
Trial and Admission
Kevin Miller, a 71-year-old lorry driver from King’s Lynn, Norfolk, faced charges of causing death by dangerous driving. His trial, which began in April 2025, was paused as legal teams requested more time. In February of that year, Miller admitted to the charge, acknowledging his failure to secure the crane properly. The court heard he had moved scrap metal from King’s Lynn to Essex and March, Cambridgeshire, before the accident.
Family’s Reaction
Ableman’s father, Russell, described her final moment as a selfless act, stating she had pushed Autumn away before the impact. He called her a “hero” for her dedication to helping patients with mental health issues at Fulbourn Hospital near Cambridge. Her mother, Susann, expressed gratitude that Autumn remained unharmed. The couple’s partner, Chris Tuczemskyi, emphasized that basic safety measures were neglected, urging the court to send a strong message about prioritizing safety.
Prosecution’s Arguments
Prosecutors highlighted that Miller had not adequately secured the crane’s boom, which had swayed onto the road during the journey. The boom, left unstrapped, caused the fatal collision. They also noted the lorry’s poor maintenance and argued that the driver’s assumption about hydraulics was insufficient. “Securing the crane unit would have been the work of moments,” the judge remarked, underscoring the preventable nature of the incident.
Defense’s Response
Miller’s legal team portrayed the accident as an unexpected tragedy. Barrister John Dye noted the driver’s 40 years of experience with cranes and claimed he had no prior driving convictions. Miller admitted fault but expressed devastation over the loss to the Ableman family. He claimed ignorance until questioned by police, stating, “What’s happened mate? I ain’t hit no-one,” and insisted he would have stopped had he known.
Judgment and Consequences
Judge Matthew Lowe ruled that Miller’s negligence in securing the crane was the direct cause of Ableman’s death. He criticized the defendant’s “slipshod” approach to maintenance and cited updated industry guidelines. As part of the sentence, Miller was disqualified from driving for two years. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols in transport operations.
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