Camden New Journal - News: Family fury

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Camden New Journal - by PAUL KEILTHY
Published: 20 September 2007

Emma Foa

Family’s fury over fine for lorry driver in death crash

Husband of cyclist killed as she rode to work ‘distressed’ by £300 penalty

THE husband of a cyclist crushed by a cement truck in King’s Cross has called for changes in the law after the lorry driver was fined £300 and given five points on his licence yesterday (Wednesday).
Writer and jeweller Emma Foa, 56, daughter of typewriter magnate Adriano Olivetti, was killed instantly when she was trapped under a 20-tonne cement mixer as she cycled in Camley Street on December 21 last year.
Her husband, Reg Wright, said yesterday that his family were “extremely distressed” at the punishment meted out to Channel Tunnel Rail Link driver Michael Thorne, from Hampshire, who pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
“I find this very wrong,” he said. “Three years ago I was driving at 40mph across Tower Bridge on a bank holiday when the road was empty and I was fined £600 and given four penalty points. This driver was given five points and fined £300.”
He and his daughters had turned up at court a few weeks ago to be told that the case would be heard on October 3, Mr Wright added.
“We made emotional space for that date, but I received a call this morning from a police officer telling me the case was settled,” he said.
Ms Foa, a mother of two, was following her regular route from her South Hill Park home in Hampstead to central London when she was caught under the left-hand side of the truck as it turned left at the junction with Goods Way.
CCTV cameras at the junction captured the accident and footage formed part of the evidence against the driver.
Mr Wright has backed an all-party cycling safety campaign being led by Islington South and Finsbury Labour MP Emily Thornberry.
He said: “The ways in which misdemeanours and traffic accidents are processed needs to be completely reformed.”
Sgt Phil Clare, from Euston’s collision investigation unit, said yesterday: “This is a distressing time for all parties involved, and I extend my sympathies to the family of Emma Foa and thank them for their support during this investigation.”
An inquest into Ms Foa’s death is expected to open shortly now that the criminal case has concluded. It could include an investigation of road safety at the junction where she died.

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