A BIRKENHEAD lorry driver has been jailed after being found guilty of causing the death of a mum in Altrincham.

Urmston resident Natalie Thorpe, aged 29, died in the incident on Dunham Road, on June 4, 2015.

William Stewart, of Cross Heys Avenue, Birkenhead, was driving a Ford Iveco with the metal stabiliser extended at the side of the vehicle.

The leg demolished a traffic light before hitting mother-of-one Natalie as she stood at the pedestrian crossing.

She had just left work at the Elite Dress Agency when she was struck by the metal arm.

Stewart then drove on striking a Volkswagen Golf which was waiting at the junction.

The 25-year-old was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving on Friday August 26 and was sentenced at Preston Crown Court this morning, Thursday.

He was sentenced to four and a half years behind bars and banned from driving for five years following his release.

At time of his guilty verdict, Joanna Ingle, senior crown prosecutor for the North West Complex Casework Unit, said: “This is a tragic case whereby a woman has lost her life due to William Stewart’s negligence.

“He failed to safely secure the metal stabiliser before he drove the lorry. He ignored the safety alarm, which was clearly heard by those on the street at the time, that should have alerted him that something was wrong.

"He failed to look in his mirrors where he would have seen the stabiliser was not secured correctly and then continued driving seemingly oblivious to the wave of destruction he left in his path.

“Drivers of HGV vehicles bear a heavy responsibility due to the sheer size of the vehicles, therefore it is imperative they comply with all necessary safety procedures before taking to our roads. William Stewart’s driving that day fell far below that expected of a competent and careful driver with catastrophic results.

“Natalie Thorpe leaves behind a 12 year old son; I would like to offer my sincere condolences to her family and friends, our thoughts are very much with them at this time.

“This case highlights the horrific consequences which can occur when someone does not follow the correct safety procedures whilst driving a heavy goods vehicle.

"The CPS and police will continue to work together to bring before the courts those who put the lives of others at risk by not driving safely on our roads.”