Driver Killed “truly special" Addenbrookes Worker After Covering Camera

A lorry driver caused the death of an Addenbrooke’s Hospital worker in Cambridge after admitting covering his vehicle’s side view camera with his coat.

Richard Hardcastle, 28, was driving a lorry towing a petrol tanker at just before 8am on 7 October last year when he struck cyclist Anna Garratt-Quinton.

The collision took place on the roundabout junction of Fendon Road and Hills Road and the 22-year-old died at the scene. 

Witnesses described how Miss Garratt-Quinton would have been in Hardcastle’s view for several seconds as they both approached the roundabout.

However, in interview, Hardcastle claimed he simply didn’t see Miss Garratt-Quinton and admitted he had hung his coat over the display screen for the side view camera. He also said the proximity alarm fitted to the vehicle did not alert him to her presence.

Hardcastle, of Westall Close, Hertford, Hertfordshire, later pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving and was handed six months in prison, suspended for two years, at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court today (1 November). He was also ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work and disqualified from driving for two years.

In a statement, Miss Garratt-Quinton’s family paid tribute to her, saying: “Our dear Anna, taken from us too soon, a waste of a truly special individual.

“The kindest soul, gentle and caring to the core. Her giggles, smile and sarcastic wit would light up a room. She was dedicated and hardworking, would never take a day off, but if she did you could be sure to find her in her pink spotty dressing gown.

“Effortlessly bright, her patients were lucky to have her. She is and always will be the best daughter, partner, auntie, sister, granddaughter, niece and so much more. 

“The list could go on because she was truly beloved by all. Anyone who got to meet our Anna Spanner is truly blessed.”