July 29th 2024.
It was a tragic incident that shook the community of Wandsworth Bridge in west London. Vanessa Sagnay de la Bastida, a 28-year-old woman, was crossing the road with her fiancé, Michael Williams, on the evening of March 16th, 2022 when a speeding Mercedes car struck her. Vanessa, also known as Charlotte, was the daughter of an Ecuadorian politician and had a bright future ahead of her. The court heard that she suffered a fatal head injury and passed away at the scene, despite the efforts of an off-duty doctor.
The driver of the Mercedes, 39-year-old Octavian Cadar, has admitted to causing Vanessa's death by careless driving. However, he denied the more serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving. The prosecution claimed that Cadar was driving at more than double the speed limit when he hit Vanessa, causing her to somersault in the air and land on a railing. Witnesses described the sound of a speeding vehicle and a sports car accelerating through gears before the collision occurred.
According to the prosecutor, Cadar had just left a McDonald's drive-through and was on his way to visit his girlfriend in Fulham. He turned into Bridgend Road, where the couple was crossing, and failed to see them due to his high speed. As a result, he hit Vanessa, who was on the left side of the car. Michael, who witnessed the collision, screamed in shock, while Cadar allegedly shouted at him for not continuing to cross the road. It was a terrifying and chaotic scene, with the couple being in shock and Cadar trying to move Vanessa, despite Michael's plea not to touch her.
An off-duty doctor and a member of the public tried to save Vanessa's life by performing chest compressions, but unfortunately, she passed away at the scene. During the trial, the prosecution argued that Cadar's driving was far below what is expected of a careful and competent driver. They also stated that he was aware of the pedestrian crossing and the speed limit in the area, but still chose to drive at an excessive speed on a wet surface.
As the prosecutor gave her opening speech, emotions ran high in the courtroom. Vanessa's mother couldn't contain her grief and wept loudly upon learning that Cadar had touched her daughter as she lay dying. The judge, Anuja Dhir KC, called for a short break to address the jurors on the matter. She reminded them to set aside their emotions and focus on the evidence while trying the case.
It was a devastating incident that took the life of a young and promising woman. The trial continues, and we can only hope that justice will be served for Vanessa's family and loved ones.
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