A man has appeared in court accused of causing the death of a “loving and caring” woman by dangerous driving. Alex Rickwood, 31, was driving an MG ZR car when it collided with pedestrian Catherine Bradford, resulting in fatal injuries, Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court was told. Rickwood faces charges of causing death by dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and using a fraudulent trade plate. The prosecutor detailed that the incident occurred on an unclassified road in the village of Dowlais in Merthyr Tydfil. The court heard that the collision occurred as the car left the road around a bend, leading to the tragic death of Mrs Bradford.
During the court appearance, Rickwood, from Wern Isaf in Dowlais, confirmed his personal details but did not enter a plea to the charges. District Judge William Neil Thomas deemed the case too serious for the magistrates’ court and adjourned it to September 20, allowing Rickwood to remain on bail. Catherine Bradford, a Welsh Water admin assistant and grandmother, was remembered by her husband, Allan Bradford, as a remarkable individual with a zest for life. Mr. Bradford described her as “one in a million” and spoke of her loving and caring nature, with a multitude of friends who adored her.
The court proceedings shed light on the tragic incident that caused the loss of a cherished member of the community. As the case unfolds, the family and friends of Catherine Bradford continue to mourn her passing and seek justice for her untimely death. The legal proceedings against Alex Rickwood will proceed to determine the accountability for the collision that led to this devastating loss.