Crash: Pair ‘could have done more’

Mar 12 2008 by Liz Keen, South Wales Echo

TWO drivers accused of causing the death of a passenger in a third car could have both done things to help avoid the accident happening on the M4 at Coryton, a jury was told.

Collision investigator Phillip Painting, who examined all three vehicles and the scene after the smash last April, was asked at Cardiff Crown Court what conclusions he had come to.

He said car driver Nathasha Hardacre, 23, and van driver Robert Veart, 41, could have both acted differently as they travelled up the slipway at Junction 32 to join the motorway.

The prosecution allege each was responsible for the death of pensioner Haulwyn Williams, 83, from Essex, who was a back seat passenger in a car already on the M4 and heading for Rhos at Gower.

He died at the University of Wales Hospital six days later from a heart attack brought on by his injuries, prosecutor Marion Lewis has told the court where Hardacre of Commercial Street, Aberbargoed, and Veart, of Milverton Road, Llanrumney, both deny causing death by dangerous driving.

(proceeding)