Driver charged with causing death of Rachael Martin

A man has appeared in court charged with causing death by careless/ inconsiderate driving following the death of Stratford mum Rachael Martin in May.

David Mark Farr, 50, of Stoke-on Trent, appeared at Leamington Magistrates Court on Friday 7th October.

During proceedings the court was told that Mr Farr had given an indication that he would be entering a not guilty plea.

29-year-old Rachael Martin died on 20 May this year following a collision with a car transporter on Western Road in Stratford.

It is believed that Rachael died whilst saving the life of her five-year-old daughter Kiera.

Keira suffered serious hip injuries in the incident and underwent treatment at London’s St George’s Hospital which specialises in serious pelvic and spinal injuries.

Outlining the prosecution case against Mr Farr, Jez Newsom said: “On the 20 May Mr Farr was driving his car transporter on Western Road in Stratford-upon-Avon. As he was manoeuvring backwards and forwards to unload vehicles for a car dealership he drove forward and did not pay due care and attention and collided with a mother and her young daughter. The mother sadly died of her injuries while her young daughter was left with life changing injuries.”

Mr Newsom explained that the case had its complexities and should be dealt with by the Crown Court as lengthy traffic reports and a number of witness statements would have to be considered.

After retiring to consider Mr Newsom’s suggestion, presiding magistrate Darryl Armstrong said: “The bench has given careful consideration to this and wishes to decline jurisdiction on this matter. Mr Farr you are being sent to trial at Warwickshire Crown Court for an offence of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving. You must attend court on 4 November for a plea and case management hearing.”

Mr Farr was granted unconditional bail.