Lorry Driver Convicted in Fatal Incident Involving London Doctor Marta Krawiec While Cycling to Work
In a significant ruling at the Old Bailey, lorry driver Kevin Allen has been found guilty in the tragic death of Dr. Marta Krawiec, a London-based doctor. The incident, which occurred in August 2021, involved Dr. Krawiec being fatally struck by Allen’s heavy goods vehicle in Holborn while she was cycling to her workplace.
The court learned that Dr. Krawiec, aged 41, sustained multiple injuries when Allen, without signaling, shifted his vehicle from the middle to the left lane. Despite pleading not guilty to death by dangerous driving, Allen, 69, was convicted by a jury on Friday.
This fatal event unfolded on a bright and clear summer morning on August 4, 2021. The sentencing for Allen, a resident of Forest Town, Nottinghamshire, is scheduled for a later date.
During the trial, jurors heard that Dr. Krawiec’s demise resulted from a critical driving error by Allen, specifically his failure to use indicators. Judge Richard Marks described the case as both tragic and challenging.
Prosecutor Paul Casey provided details of the incident, stating that Allen was delivering steel to a construction site in London. The incident occurred at the intersection of Southampton Row and Theobalds Road, where Allen’s HGV, initially in the central lane of three at a red light, was positioned to move straight ahead, not indicating a turn.
Dr. Krawiec, distinguishable in bright clothing and a helmet, was cycling behind and to the left of the lorry. As the traffic light turned green, and Dr. Krawiec came alongside the lorry, Allen indicated and turned left, tragically colliding with the rear wheel of her bicycle, leading to her being dragged underneath the vehicle.
Following her death, Dr. Krawiec’s family released a statement highlighting her dedication to helping others, expressing profound grief over the loss of their cherished daughter and sister.
Allen, in his police interview, stated that he had checked his mirrors but did not notice Dr. Krawiec. He acknowledged causing her death by careless driving, although he contested the charge of dangerous driving. The court has granted him bail until the sentencing, the date of which remains to be set.