HGV driver kills woman in Everton after mistaking her for debris

On August 10, 2022, a tragic incident occurred in Everton, Merseyside, when a 52-year-old HGV driver, Alec Kieran, struck a sleeping woman named Nicole Cummings with his lorry. Cummings, 24, was sleeping rough outside a Shell garage when Kieran attempted to turn left from Scotland Road onto Wilbraham Street. The maneuver was complicated by a parked Audi, which obstructed his view. Kieran claimed he mistook Cummings for a 'bin bag and a folded duvet' as he turned onto the pavement. The rear wheels of Kieran's vehicle passed directly over Cummings, resulting in catastrophic injuries that led to her death. In court, it was revealed that Kieran's lorry was equipped with cameras that could have provided a clear view of Cummings had he used his indicator while turning. This oversight raised questions about his responsibility as a driver. Cummings' family expressed their devastation in court, highlighting the emotional toll of her loss. Her mother, Vanessa Thompson, described the profound impact of the tragedy on their lives, stating that they would never heal from the loss of their daughter. Cummings had been going through a difficult period in her life, and her family was unaware of her situation until the day she was killed. Kieran was ultimately sentenced to 12 months in prison for causing death by careless driving, along with a 12-month driving ban that would commence upon his release. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and responsibility among drivers, especially in urban areas where vulnerable individuals may be present.