Woman killed while walking home on Sandbach road inquest hears

An inquest has heard that a Cheshire woman was hit by a lorry while walking home on an unlit local road after a night out.

Ann-Marie Chesters from Sandbach died after being struck by a lorry on January 15, 2020.

Miss Chesters was walking home, after missing her bus, following a night out in Crewe when the incident took place at around 1.40am.

Robert Wild was driving a LGV along Haslington Bypass when he tragically hit the 37 year old, Miss Chesters died from her injuries at Royal Stoke University hospital.

At an inquest held in Warrington yesterday (May 27), Assistant Coroner, Mr Peter Sigee, heard how Miss Chesters had spent the evening in Crewe with her partner, Christopher Cooper, her brother Matthew, and friend, Amanda Kelly.

After missing a bus and unable to get a taxi she decided to walk home.

"There was no pavement or street lighting at this location, and it was very dark at this time.

"The lorry was driving correctly positioned within the Sandbach-bound carriageway, driving with dips headlights illuminated due to on-coming traffic travelling in the opposite direction."

"Once Miss Chesters was illuminated by the lorry's headlights, the driver reacted promptly, but there was insufficient time for him to avoid colliding with Miss Chesters".

A written statement was read out on behalf of Miss Chester's mum, Reenie Chesters, in which she described Ann-Marie as a fantastic daughter, sister and auntie and such a lovable person. Adding "She was always there for her family, she was a very kind-hearted person with a great sense of humour. She really knew how to cheer people up and make people laugh."

Mr Sigee concluded, "On the basis of the evidence I have heard given the findings and facts I have made, I am satisfied that the appropriate conclusion for me to reach is that Ann-Marie died from injuries suffered in a road traffic collision."