I pray for tragic baby and family, says businessmen in M6 crash trial
A businessman whose Mercedes struck the back of a broken-down car on the M6 carrying a newborn who later died wept as he told jurors he prays every day for the baby and his family.
The Mercedes driven by Thomas Fryer, aged 31, ploughed into the back of the Seat Leon on May 26 last year.
Eleven-day-old Da'wood Hewitt, of Milton Road, Cannock, was airlifted to hospital but died the next day.
Giving evidence at Stafford Crown Court Fryer told the jury he relived the crash every day since it happened.
And he insisted he was not driving dangerously.
"If I could turn back time I would. I have got two children myself. I can't imagine what the parents are going through. I just wish I hadn't got in the car.
"I relive it every day. I have to go to therapy. I'm on antidepressants. I just wish it never happened. I pray for that baby every day and for the parents."
Under cross examination by Mr Mark Heywood, prosecuting, Fryer told the jurors the standard of his driving had been 'careless'.
The driver of a black Mercedes reported that Fryer had been following close behind but they managed to switch lanes to avoid the Seat. Moments later the crash happened.
Mr Heywood put to him: "You said your driving was careless, but why was it?"
Fryer replied: "I didn't get out of the way in time. My eye was fixed on the black Mercedes."
Mr Heywood said: "You are saying your driving fell below the standard of a competent driver."
Fryer replied: "Fell below the standard, but not far below and was not dangerous."
The accident happened the southbound carriageway between junctions 11 at Laney Green, Cannock, and 10a at Essington at about 4:30pm.
His mother Alicia Shaw had been struggling to get the car into fifth gear in the third lane when the Seat came to a halt. Other drivers were able to get into the inner lanes avoiding the obstruction. Fryer, of Duncroft Road, Garretts Green, Birmingham, was not.
The court previously heard that prosecutors argued it was not uncommon for hazards on the M6 and it is something motorists should guard against, with Fryer's driving fell below the standards expected.
A statement from Mrs Shaw was previously read out at court and she said the hazard lights were put on when the car suffered problems.
She said: "I was in the fast lane and I started to look in my rear view mirror. At least 15 cars appeared to have seen me at the last minute and went around me.
"The car ploughed into the back of my car. The car from behind approached at speed and took me out. There was an almighty bang and my car was spun around."
Fryer denies causing death by dangerous driving. The trial continues.
