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

Driver Jailed for Fatal Accident Involving Crane Equipment

Kevin Miller, a 71-year-old lorry driver from Norfolk, was sentenced to 13 months in prison after pleading guilty to causing the death of Rebecca Ableman, a 30-year-old NHS healthcare assistant. The incident occurred on 22 September 2022 when Ableman was struck by a crane’s loose equipment while pushing her two-year-old daughter Autumn on a pavement near Willingham, Cambridgeshire.

Incident and Aftermath

The tragedy unfolded as Ableman exited a farm shop on Station Road, her final act being to shield her daughter from harm. She sustained severe brain injuries and passed away three weeks later. The court heard that Miller had left the village after the incident, only realizing the equipment had shifted and repositioned it hydraulically later.

“Securing the crane unit would have been the work of moments,” stated Judge Matthew Lowe during the sentencing hearing at Peterborough Crown Court.

Legal Proceedings

Miler initially faced charges of dangerous driving but admitted to a lesser offense of careless or inconsiderate driving in February 2025, just days before his second trial was set to begin. The first trial was paused to allow for additional preparation, with lawyers citing the need for more time.

Family and Legal Statements

Ableman’s father, Russell, described her heroic final moments, noting she pushed Autumn away from the impact. Her mother, Susann, expressed gratitude that her daughter remained unharmed. Miller’s partner, Chris Tuczemskyi, emphasized the lack of basic safety measures, urging the court to convey that “safety must always come first.”

“He had not taken… an elementary precaution of strapping the crane boom down separately,” said prosecutors, highlighting Miller’s failure to secure the boom properly.

The prosecution argued that Miller had used the B1050 road due to heavy traffic on main routes. As he passed through Willingham, the crane boom “slewed” to the side, causing the accident. The judge noted that the crane’s unsecured state was a direct result of Miller’s negligence.

Defense Arguments

Miller’s defense barrister, John Dye, called the event an “unfathomable” tragedy, describing the defendant as a “hard-working, decent man” who had never had prior driving convictions. Dye asserted that Miller had relied on hydraulics to secure the crane for 40 years, claiming he was “devastated” by the damage caused to the Ableman family.

“What’s happened mate? I ain’t hit no-one,” Miller said, expressing surprise at the incident when questioned by police.

Following the verdict, the judge reiterated that Miller’s failure to properly secure the crane was the cause of Ableman’s death. He also criticized the defendant’s approach to vehicle maintenance, calling it “generally slipshod.” As a result, Miller has been banned from driving for two years upon his release.

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