Driver jailed over death of mum hit by crane while pushing pram

Kevin Miller, a 71-year-old lorry driver from Norfolk, received a 13-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to causing the death of Rebecca Ableman, a 30-year-old NHS healthcare assistant. The incident occurred on September 22, 2022, when Ableman was struck on the head by loose crane equipment while walking with her two-year-old daughter Autumn on a village pavement.

Ableman had left a farm shop in Station Road, Willingham, Cambridgeshire, at around 11:15 BST. The judge heard that she suffered “catastrophic” brain injuries and passed away three weeks later. Miller’s admission of careless or inconsiderate driving came after a second trial was paused in April 2025, when he initially denied the charge.

During the sentencing hearing at Peterborough Crown Court, Judge Matthew Lowe emphasized:

“Securing the crane unit would have been the work of moments.”

The judge noted that Miller had failed to properly secure the crane’s boom, which had moved while he drove through Willingham. The boom was hanging over his trailer, and its uncontrolled motion led to the tragic collision.

Prosecutors argued that Miller had chosen the B1050 route due to heavy traffic on larger roads. As he traversed the village, the crane boom “slewed” to the nearside, causing the accident. Barrister William Carter stated:

“He had not taken… an elementary precaution of strapping the crane boom down separately.”

The lorry was also described as “poorly” maintained, contributing to the incident.

Ableman’s father, Russell, shared in a statement that her final act was pushing Autumn away from danger. He called her a “hero” for her actions. Her mother, Susann, expressed gratitude that Autumn remained unharmed. Chris Tuczemskyi, Ableman’s partner and Autumn’s father, said:

“Becky died because basic safety measures were not taken.”

He urged the court to send a “clear message” that safety should always be prioritized.

Miller’s defense, represented by John Dye, highlighted the tragedy as a “freak accident.” Dye described Miller as a “hard-working, decent man” who had secured the crane without a strap for 40 years. He admitted to causing harm to the Ableman family but stressed that Miller had no prior driving convictions. The judge concluded:

“This defendant’s criminal failure to adequately secure the grabber crane on his trailer is the cause of Rebecca’s death.”

He also criticized the defendant’s approach to maintenance as “slipshod” and noted that industry guidance had been “firmed up.”

As part of his sentence, Miller has been disqualified from driving for two years upon release. The case underscores the importance of securing heavy machinery and the consequences of neglecting safety protocols on public roads.