Man charged over Wigan mum's tragic death

Alice Lewis was injured in a collision with a Ford Transit van on the corner of Dorning Street and Frog Lane, Wigan, on the afternoon of November 25 last year.

It had been reported that the 63-year-old had only suffered a minor injury and she was taken to Wigan Infirmary as a precaution, but her condition then deteriorated drastically and medics were unable to prevent her from dying the following day.

Police launched an investigation into the 4.30pm incident, appealing for witnesses, including motorists with dash cams, to come forward.

Brendan Guy Boby, of Chatham Street, Ince, has now appeared in the dock at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court charged with causing Ms Lewis’s death by driving without due care and attention.

The 50-year-old also faces a separate charge of careless driving.

The bench ordered that the case be sent to Bolton Crown Court where Boby is due to make his first appearance on September 2. Until then he has been remanded on unconditional bail.

Paying tribute to Alice shortly after her death in a statement released by police, her family said: “Alice had an outgoing personality and was well-known around town for her many years working behind the bars of the Bees Knees, the Pear Tree and the Colliers. She was also a keen member of the Pear Tree darts and dominoes team.

“Alice is a well-loved member of the Gordon family and leaves behind a heartbroken son Gary, four sisters and a brother.”

An inquest into the circumstances surrounding Alice’s death opened at Bolton Coroner’s Court in June but was then adjourned indefinitely both due to the Covid-19 restrictions and the ongoing criminal inquiry.