Lorry Driver Receives Suspended Sentence Following Pedestrian’s Death

A suspended prison sentence has been imposed on a lorry driver responsible for the death of a “much-loved wife and mother” who was struck in County Antrim. Anne Brown, a mother of three and a pedestrian, passed away in February 2022 after being struck by a lorry operated by Patrick Campbell on the Antrim Road in Glengormley. Campbell, aged 49, residing on Lurgan Road in Crumlin, received an eight-month sentence, which was suspended for a period of two years. He had previously pleaded guilty to causing Mrs Brown’s death through dangerous driving. During proceedings at Belfast Crown Court, it was revealed that Mrs Brown, in her sixties, was traversing the road at a pelican crossing controlled by traffic lights when the lorry hit her. Witnesses present at the scene recounted observing her waiting at the traffic signals and proceeding to cross the road once the green light indicated it was permissible. These witnesses observed her being hit by Campbell’s lorry, and following the collision, Campbell exited his vehicle with his hands on his head, stating: “I didn’t see her”. Before this event, Campbell’s front-seat passenger had seen an individual walking across the road ahead of the lorry and, as the lights were red, yelled “stop”. Mrs Brown suffered a severe brain injury and subsequently passed away in the hospital. The judge, recognizing the “tragic circumstances” of the incident, described Mrs Brown as a “much-loved wife, mother and sister”. The judge also commented on the “great dignity” demonstrated by her family through their Victim Impact Statements, which articulated their “devastating loss.” “She was a loving and caring woman, trust-worthy, honest and intelligent. Someone with integrity, strong morals and faith,” the judge stated. “She was the driving force in the Brown family – a devoted mother and carer,” the judge added. Testimony presented to the court indicated that Campbell had not observed the traffic lights transition from green to red, was moving at a reduced speed, and that the brightness from the low-lying winter sun might have impaired his vision. According to the judge, a probation officer characterized Campbell as “clearly distressed and tearful,” noting that “he thinks about what happened daily and questions how he could have prevented this tragedy” and experiences “an immense sense of guilt.” The judge disqualified Campbell from operating a vehicle for two years, issued the suspended sentence, and cautioned him about the repercussions if he commits another offense within the upcoming two-year period.