Trucker whose lorry shed load in Lyndhurst gives evidence

Slawomir Kotlowski said he would have stopped if he had become aware of the danger, adding: "What sort of human would I have been not to stop?"

A female pedestrian suffered life-changing injuries when she was struck by concrete slabs that fell from the back of Kotlowsi's HGV.

Chloe Evans, 23, of Totton, was walking along a pavement beside the A35 at Lyndhurst when the incident happened in October 31, 2022.

A female pedestrian suffered life-changing injuries when concrete slabs fell from the back of a lorry in Lyndhurst (Image: Newsquest)

Now, as the second anniversary approaches, Kotlowski, 41, of Collenswood Road, Stevenage, is on trial having pleaded not guilty to causing serous injury by careless driving.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court, he was asked about evidence given by van driver Robert Dilworth, who said he flashed his headlights and sounded his horn after realising the trucker's load had become unstable.

Speaking through an interpreter, Kotlowski said he neither saw the lights nor heard the horn.

He told the court: "The cabin was insulated - it's a new type of cabin - and the windows were closed."

A female pedestrian suffered life-changing injuries wen concrete slabs fell from the back of a lorry in Lyndhurst (Image: Newsquest)

Kotlowski said he twice checked the straps securing his load, once before he began his journey and again when he stopped for breakfast in Winchester.

He was chatting to a friend using a Bluetooth earpiece when the accident happened, but denied being distracted.

Describing the incident he said: "There were two witnesses. I asked them to call an ambulance and the police because there was a woman under the blocks."

Kotlowski was cross-examined by Matthew Lawson, prosecuting, who said Mr Dilworth's vehicle moved out from behind the lorry and would have been visible to the defendant if he had been using his mirrors.

He replied: "I was focusing on the road ahead of me - it's not like I'm always looking in the mirror."

A female pedestrian suffered life-changing injuries when concrete slabs fell from the back of a lorry in Lyndhurst (Image: Newsquest)

Referring to the length of the defendant's lorry, Mr Lawson told him: "You need to be very aware of anyone trying to overtake you. You need to check your right hand mirror very often.

"There can be a problem with your vehicle or load and in this situation other motorists might signal you to let you know there's a problem."

Mr Lawson also suggested that Kotlowski should have driven with his cab window slightly ajar.

"It's very important for your safety, the safety of your vehicle, and the safety of your load that you can hear if anyone is sounding their horn at you," he said.

Mr Lawson asked him if he would have stopped if he had known his load was collapsing. The defendant replied: "What sort of human would I have been not to stop?"

The trial continues.