News
Clapham cyclist killed by lorry driver
Friday, 21 May 2010
Catriona Patel with her husband, Anish
Dennis Putz crushed 39-year-old Catriona Patel as he turned left into her path near The Oval cricket ground.
Ms Patel, from Clapham, died of multiple injuries after the accident, captured on CCTV on June 29 last year.
On May 14, Putz admitted causing her death by careless driving on the basis he was using his “hands-free” set at the wheel of his cement truck.
But prosecutor Jonathan Polnay told Inner London Crown Court: “We do not accept the plea.”
He said there would be a trial for the more serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
It is claimed Putz had been drinking and holding his mobile to his ear when he hit the victim in rush-hour traffic on Kennington Park Road, at the junction with Harleyford Street.
The barrister said toxicology evidence was being looked at over the amount he had been drinking.
Judge Peter Grobel allowed the defendant unconditional bail ahead of trial which he fixed for November 8.
Ms Patel, a director at public relations firm Citigate Dewe Rogerson, was in training with her husband to take part in L’Etap de Tour.
The event sees amateur cyclists following follow a 107-mile mountain route covered by the Tour de France professional riders.
Her husband Anish recalled her “warmth, love and loyalty” as he paid tribute to her at the time of her death.
He said: “Cat was a strong cyclist who would think nothing of a 100-mile ride up and down mountains, always with a smile.
“All her family and friends are devastated by her death but feel proud and lucky to have known her.”
Putz, 51, of Mill Corner, Monken Hadley, Barnet, Hertfordshire, admits causing death by driving without due care and attention.
He denies causing death by dangerous driving.
Email: newsdesk@slp.co.uk
For the full story, you can get a full online edition at www.slp-e-edition.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment