A man accused of causing the death of a popular Co-op worker by driving dangerously on the M62 will stand trial next year.
Paula Heaney was on her way to work at the supermarket chain’s Thatto Heath shop when she was involved in a crash on January 28, 2021. The 57 year old died at the scene after four vehicles were involved in a crash between Junction 5 and Junction 6 at Tarbock Island.
Peter Maddrell, 56, of Warbrook Road, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today. He admitted the less serious charge of causing death by careless driving but Damian Nolan, prosecuting, said the CPS would still pursue a trial on the more serious charge against him.
READ MORE: Popular Co-op worker everyone knew killed in M62 crash 'on her way to work'
Mr Nolan said backlogs in the criminal courts as well as other court cases involving himself and Tom Gent, defending, meant the earliest available date for a trial would be in the summer of next year. He said: “It is simply a combination of the backlog in the court lists and the way the court accommodates these matters and then a further three weeks for professional reasons for myself and my learned friend .”
Judge Thomas Teague QC set Maddrell’s trial for June 5, 2023. It is due to last five days. Tributes to Ms Heaney poured in from across the region after her death. She had worked at Co-op’s Elephant Lane shop for two decades and was on her way to work from her home in Anfield when she died.
Customers described her as “ one of a kind” and “great to chat to” after over 20 years in the shop and floral tributes to her were left outside the shop after Merseyside Police confirmed her death. Other customers left messages remembering Ms Heaney on Facebook.
Audrey Corden said: “It’s so sad, Paula was definitely a one off. Going to miss our chats. The Co-op just won’t be the same .”
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