Child killed ‘after motorist failed to spot him while reversing on driveway’
Court told how driver had spoken to neighbours about kids playing on shared driveway
A MOTORIST crushed a neighbour’s five-year-old boy to death while reversing on to his driveway, a court heard.
David Cowell, 41, saw a little girl playing there but failed to spot Riley Ferguson, a jury was told.
The court heard he had spoken to his neighbours about kids playing on his shared driveway in Milton Keynes, Bucks.
Prosecutor Alan Blake told Aylesbury Crown Court:
“The front gardens were very small and Millie and Riley would often play together in and around the driveway.
"That was something that frustrated the defendant who had spoken to neighbours about it.
“Relations remained cordial and it was just something that had been mentioned.
“On June 7, 2015 some of the residents, including this defendant, were planning on having barbecues and David Cowell was planning to watch an England match with his friend.
“The defendant popped out on an errand in his black Vauxhall Insignia.
“While the defendant was out on his errand there were some of the children playing on the shared driveway.
“Ten-year-old Millie started playing outside with Riley. Riley had a ball with him while they chatted and played.
“Young Riley was sitting playing on the driveway about a metre or so from Millie.”
Mr Blake then told jurors Mr Cowell returned to his home and was aware of Millie, who was stood near a fence at the end of the driveway.
He continued: “According to what he told police David Cowell was aware of Millie but failed to see Riley.
Cowell should have been proceeding with maximum care and attention and unfortunately he didn’t
Prosecutor Alan Blake
“As he entered the driveway he was aware he ran over something that he thought was a child’s toy or bike. He rolled back a distance and there he saw Riley.
“He picked him up and carried him to the grass.
“Millie’s mother Tamara made the 999 call and Riley’s mother was beside herself.
“Riley suffered severe head and neck injuries and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford before he was taken to a hospice where he died four days later from his injuries.
“He had been run over by the nearside front wheel.
“He should have been proceeding with maximum care and attention and unfortunately he didn’t.”
Riley was taken to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford but died from head and neck injuries last June.
Cowell denies causing death by careless driving. Trial continues.