Tears in court as man denies causing 'devoted' great grandma's death in crash
A man has denied causing a "devoted" great grandma's death by careless driving. Christine Jones died aged 68 following the crash on Thornton Common Road in Thornton Hough, Wirral, in August 2023.
Ian Ashworth has since been charged with causing her death by careless driving. The 62-year-old, of New Heyes in Neston, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court this afternoon, Monday, in order to face this count, as well as a second alleged offence of causing Bryn Jones serious injury by careless driving during the same incident.
Appearing the dock suited with a shaved head and short facial hair and walking with the aid of stick, he spoke to confirm his name before pleading not guilty to both charges. Ashworth will now face a trial over the course of three days in the week commencing September 22 this year.
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He was released on bail until this date by Judge Anil Murray. Around 10 members of Ms Jones' family were present in the public gallery, with some seen wiping tears with tissues during today's short hearing.
The ECHO previously reported that Ms Jones was left in a critical condition following a crash involving a Peugeot 3008 and a Ford Fiesta at around 9.30pm on August 14 2023. She died as a result of her injuries in Aintree Hospital three days later on August 17.
Her family said in a statement in the wake of her death: "We would like to express our sincere thanks to all of the emergency services, especially the wonderful staff at Aintree University Hospital. She was a devoted wife, mum, nan and great nan who loved her family and her home, especially her beautiful garden."
The two male drivers were meanwhile said to have suffered serious injuries following the collision, which occurred between the junctions with Willaston Road and St George's Way.
Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, of Merseyside Police's serious collision investigation unit, added at the time: "Our thoughts are very much with Christine’s family, who have asked people to respect their privacy at this difficult time.
"We launched an investigation on Monday, and our detectives are gathering evidence. Our priority is to get answers for her family, who are being supported by specially trained officers."