Manslaughter charge over Wigan mum's crash death Published duration 23 April 2019

image copyright Google image caption Two girls, aged 13 and four, were among the injured in the crash on Bickershaw Lane

A pick-up truck driver has been charged with manslaughter following the death of a mother in a three-vehicle crash.

The 34-year-old woman died in Saturday's crash in Bickershaw Lane, Wigan, and two others, including a four-year-old girl, were injured.

James Pownall, 26, is also accused of causing death by dangerous driving, kidnap and perverting the course of justice.

Steven Fairclough, 22, has been charged with perverting the course of justice.

Both men will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court.

Greater Manchester Police said the driver and passengers of the Volkswagen Amarok pick-up escaped by forcing another motorist to drive them away.

The woman, who was driving a Volkswagen Polo, died in hospital.

Her passengers, a 29-year-old man and two girls, aged four and 13, were also taken to hospital.

'Dreadful incident'

The pick-up truck was later found in Bolton House Road.

The allegation of manslaughter is understood to be by transferred malice because of the Amarok driver's suspected intentions towards those travelling in a Mercedes also involved in the crash.

The occupants of the Mercedes, a 21-year-old man and two 20-year-old men, were initially arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Two of the men have been eliminated from the investigation but arrested for causing criminal damage and released on bail.

One of the 20-year-old men remains in custody on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Sgt Lee Westhead appealed for witnesses to the crash to contact police.