24.05.2016

Crane operator’s widow asks for clemency

A tanker driver who caused the death of a crane operator in the UK last year has been spared imprisonment, following an appeal from the operator’s widow and son.

Michael Coleman, 50, was driving his Kato crane along the M4 motorway in Cardiff, on November 2nd last year, when Carl Askew, 47, driving a tanker operated by Wincanton transport, collided into the back of the slower moving crane - in spite of its flashing warning beacons - causing to veer of the road and overturn. The truck had apparently been travelling at more than 50Mph, with the cruise control engaged, while the crane was moving at around 30Mph.
Please register to see all images

The accident scene

Askew was given a 32 week sentence, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty of causing death by careless driving. Coleman's partner, Wendy made a plea on behalf of the family saying: “I don’t feel bitter about the accident. I know the driver of the lorry involved did not set out to cause Mike’s death. I don’t offer any malice to the driver - I believe he has suffered as a result of the collision, both mentally and possibly financially.”
Please register to see all images

Michael Coleman

The family also asked the court not to send the tanker driver to jail as they did not feel that further retribution via a custodial sentence was beneficial to anyone. The judge also took into consideration the guilty plea and the fact that Askew had shown great remorse and contrition.