Van driver admits part in Formby crash which killed apprentice electrician

Mar 4 2010 by Mark Johnson, Liverpool Echo

Van driver admits part in Formby crash which killed apprentice electrician

THE family of Merseyside man killed in a road accident today said they “don’t bare any grudges” against the man convicted of his death.

Joseph Chart was riding his motorbike in sunny weather in Altcar Road, Formby, on June 1 last year when he slammed on his brakes to avoid colliding with a van driven by William Sherratt.

But his sudden stop saw the apprentice electrician, who went to St Helens College, fly over his handlebars and hit the van.

His Italian-made Aprilia motorbike careered into the driver’s side of the vehicle, smashing a door and window.

Mr Chart’s mum arrived on the scene in minutes as paramedics fought in vain for nearly half an hour to save her son’s life.

But he had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sherratt, 45, who pleaded guilty to causing death by driving without due care and attention, was banned from driving for a year at South Sefton magistrates’ court yesterday.

He must also do 120 hours unpaid work.

Mr Chart’s family today told the ECHO they did not hold any animosity toward Sherratt.

His dad Frank Chart said: “We do not bear any grudges and we are pleased he was not given a custodial sentence.”