Driver jailed after his crane hit mum pushing pram

Driver Jailed After Crane Equipment Struck a Mother Pushing a Pram

Kevin Miller, a 71-year-old lorry driver from King’s Lynn, Norfolk, was sentenced to 13 months in prison after a crane’s loose equipment struck Rebecca Ableman, a 30-year-old NHS healthcare assistant, while she was pushing a pram on a village path. The incident occurred on 22 September 2022 along the B1050 in Willingham, Cambridgeshire.

Ableman, who resided in the area near St Ives, was walking with her two-year-old daughter Autumn when she was hit from behind by the crane’s unsecured grabber. The crash left her with severe brain injuries, and she passed away three weeks later. Judge Matthew Lowe emphasized during the sentencing that “Securing the crane unit would have been the work of moments,” highlighting the preventable nature of the accident.

The case initially faced a trial in April 2025, where Miller denied causing death by dangerous driving. However, the proceedings were paused as legal teams sought more time. In February of the same year, Miller admitted to causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving, admitting fault just days before a second trial jury was set to begin.

Family’s Emotional Statements

“Her final act was to push Autumn away,” said Russell Ableman, Rebecca’s father, in a statement. “She died a hero.”

“I will always be grateful that Autumn was unharmed,” added Susann Ableman, Rebecca’s mother.

Chris Tuczemskyi, Rebecca’s partner and Autumn’s father, told the court: “Becky died because basic safety measures were not taken.” He urged the judge to deliver a “clear message” that safety should always take priority.

Legal Arguments and Evidence

Prosecutors claimed Miller had been transporting scrap metal and was using the B1050 due to heavy traffic on major roads. As he passed through Willingham, the crane’s boom shifted sideways, dangling from his trailer. Miller became aware of the movement after leaving the village and repositioned the grabber hydraulically, though he had no prior knowledge of the incident.

“His failure to secure the crane boom adequately was the cause of Rebecca’s death,” stated prosecuting barrister William Carter. “He neglected an elementary precaution of strapping the boom down separately.”

Barrister John Dye, representing Miller, described the event as an “unfathomable” tragedy. He noted that Miller, a “hard-working, decent man,” had operated the crane without a strap for 40 years and was “devastated” by the impact on the Ableman family. Dye also mentioned Miller had no previous driving convictions.

The judge noted that Miller had assumed hydraulics would keep the grabber stable, but the overall approach to maintenance was deemed “slipshod.” Industry guidelines were described as “firmed up” in the case. As part of his sentence, Miller has been banned from driving for two years following his release from prison.

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