Driver jailed over death of mum hit by crane while pushing pram
Driver Jailed for 13 Months in Crane Fatality Case
A 71-year-old truck driver has been sentenced to 13 months in prison after admitting to causing the death of a woman who was struck by loose crane equipment while pushing a pram through a Cambridgeshire village. The incident occurred on September 22, 2022, when Rebecca Ableman, 30, an NHS healthcare assistant, was walking with her two-year-old daughter Autumn on a pavement alongside the B1050 in Willingham.
Ableman, who resided near St Ives, left a farm shop on Station Road at around 11:15 BST and was hit from behind by the crane’s unsecured grabber. The judge heard that she suffered severe brain injuries and passed away three weeks later. Kevin Miller, of Gayton Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, had initially contested the charge of dangerous driving but withdrew his plea after legal representatives requested more time for preparation.
Safety Oversight and Legal Proceedings
At the Peterborough Crown Court sentencing hearing, Judge Matthew Lowe emphasized that securing the crane unit “would have been the work of moments.” Miller admitted to careless or inconsiderate driving in February 2025, just days before the second trial jury was set to begin. The prosecution argued that the crane boom’s failure to remain stable was due to inadequate securing, with barrister William Carter stating, “He had not taken… an elementary precaution of strapping the crane boom down separately.”
“This defendant’s criminal failure to adequately secure the grabber crane on his trailer is the cause of Rebecca’s death,” the judge remarked, noting Miller’s assumption that hydraulics would prevent movement. He also criticized the defendant’s maintenance practices, describing them as “generally slipshod.”
Miller’s defense, led by John Dye, portrayed the incident as an “unfathomable” tragedy, highlighting his 40 years of experience securing cranes without a strap. Dye added that the accident had deeply affected Miller, who had no prior driving convictions. The judge concluded that the crane’s unsecured boom, combined with poor vehicle maintenance, led to the fatal outcome.
Impact on Family and Community
Ableman’s father, Russell, shared in a statement that her “final act” was to shield Autumn from harm. Her mother, Susann, expressed gratitude that Autumn survived the incident. Chris Tuczemskyi, Ableman’s partner and Autumn’s father, stated, “Becky died because basic safety measures were not taken,” urging the court to send a “clear message” about prioritizing safety.
Following the sentence, Miller has been disqualified from driving for two years upon his release. The case underscores the importance of adherence to safety protocols in transportation operations. For Cambridgeshire news updates, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X.
