Death driver ‘never saw girls’

THE van’s driver, Peter Scott

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A VAN driver’s failure to spot two young girls emerge on what he later described as a notorious zebra crossing in Shaw cost one of them her life, a trial jury has been told.

One of the youngsters was first hit by Peter Scott’s van, then her best friend was dragged under the vehicle for 17 metres until he stopped.

Scott (57) was said to have been completely unaware of the unfolding drama a week before Christmas until onlookers pointed out the child pinned under the van.

By the time emergency services arrived, 12-year old Annalise Holt was already dead from crush injuries that prevented her breathing.

The Manchester Crown Court jury was told by Charles Brown, prosecuting, that Mr Scott had been travelling at 15mph as he approached the crossing. His view had been partially obscured by a mini bus, but when it moved he should have seen the girls and had time to react and brake.

He told the jury: “Mr Scott did not even see the girls, let alone brake before the impact. The prosecution says it is a driver’s duty to keep a look-out, particularly approaching a zebra crossing. By failing to keep a careful look out and his failure to see these girls, his driving fell short of the standards expected of a careful and competent driver.”

Mr Scott of Frances Street, Derker, pleads not guilty to causing the death of Annalise by careless driving.

The court had been told the youngster had arranged to go to the home of her 11-year old friend from Royton and Crompton School that afternoon, December 17, 2013.

When she returned home, her friend’s mother offered to drive them, but the girls preferred to walk.

Annalise’s mother had tried to call her on her phone and became worried when there was no response. Her worst fears were realised when someone else finally answered.

A woman driving behind a mini bus approaching the crossing from the opposite direction said she saw the girls on her left and slowed, realising they were likely to cross. The girls took a few steps then started to run, but the Mercedes van didn’t stop.

The death of Annalise sparked fury among local residents who had long campaigned for changes at was seen as a hazardous zebra crossing. Improvements have since been made.

(Proceeding)