A man on trial following a fatal road crash has said he “feels sorry” for his victim’s partner – but insists he is not guilty of dangerous driving.

A jury at Carlisle Crown Court has heard 55-year-old Nigel Stevens admits causing the death of David Mitchell by careless driving following a collision on the B5305 near Wigton, on November 6, 2015.

Mr Mitchell, 53, died at the scene having sustained multiple head injuries.

Stevens, however, denies that a reverse manoeuvre he was attempting in an HGV – which left his trailer across both carriageways – was dangerous.

He said of the crash: “I feel deep sorrow for the gentleman who died and a deep sorrow for his family, his partner, who I know is here. To lose someone is traumatic for everybody.”

Jurors have heard that Mr Mitchell’s van struck the trailer at an estimated 30mph to 40mph.

On day three of the trial, the court heard experienced driver Stevens told police that he believed his manoeuvre – which he had done “many times before” – was safe.


David Mitchell Giving evidence, Stevens, of Greenrigg Cottages, near Wigton, said he made painstaking checks as he began the reversing manoeuvre in an HGV with extra reverse and side lights fitted.

He checked no traffic was approaching from either direction before positioning his trailer across the B5305.

Only then did he see the lights of Mr Mitchell’s van approaching “at great speed”. Stevens screamed at him to slow down but then heard what he described as “the loudest bang I have ever heard in my life”.

Shocked Stevens leaped from his HGV to check on Mr Mitchell. As he returned to dial 999 he was forced to jump out of the way as a taxi braked and collided with the van.

But while accepting he was in part responsible for the initial crash, Stevens stressed it was “not completely” his fault.

“He (the taxi driver) had the same time to stop, the same distance and was able to brake,” said Stevens. “Although he did have a minor impact, it was a minor impact that was a thousand times less than what Mr Mitchell had.”

The trial continues.