A 19-Year-Old Woman Was Killed And Numerous Others Left Injured During Incident On 31 May 2018

The family of woman who was killed as a car hit a group of pedestrians on Europa Way, Trafford Park are hoping for answers about the crash as an Inquest into her death begins.

Sophie Louise Smith, 19, was killed after a BMW hit the pedestrians at a car meet on 31 May last year.

A jury inquest began on Monday, 13 May, at Stockport Coroner’s Court and will investigate the circumstances and lead up to the incident and is listed for six days.

The families of three of those injured, Sophie’s boyfriend Jordan Chidgey, from Radcliffe, Dan Robinson and Colin Burton, both from Eccles, instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to support them through the legal process after the fatal incident.

Both Jordan, 25, and Colin, 33, suffered multiple injuries in the incident and were hospitalised whilst Dan, 34, also suffered injury.

Expert Opinion

“This tragic case highlights the consequences of dangerous driving which has left its mark on so many people.

The inquest will be incredibly tough for Sophie’s family as they will have to hear evidence about the crash once again and re-live the tragedy in court. They hope that the Inquest will provide them with further closure as to what happened and identify if any lessons can be learned to prevent any similar incidents in future.”
Matthew Garson - Partner

Last year the driver, Scott Watkins, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing death while driving without a licence and insurance, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling serious injury cases