A man has appeared in court accused of causing a “loving and caring” woman’s death by dangerous driving. Alex Rickwood, 31, was behind the wheel of an MG ZR car in a collision with a pedestrian, Catherine Bradford, who suffered fatal injuries, Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court heard.
Rickwood is charged with causing the 52-year-old grandmother’s death by driving dangerously and with no insurance while using a fraudulent trade plate. The crash occurred at around 5.50pm on Monday, September 19, 2022, on an unclassified road in Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, described as a dual carriageway with one lane in each direction.
Prosecutor Katie Baldwin provided details of the accident, stating that the car left the road while navigating a bend, striking a lamppost. Catherine Bradford, who was on her daily run, tragically lost her life at the scene. Rickwood, of Wern Isaf in Dowlais, spoke only to confirm his details in court and did not enter a plea to the charges.
District Judge William Neil Thomas deemed the case too serious for a magistrates’ court and adjourned it to September 20. Catherine Bradford, a Welsh Water admin assistant from Pentrebach, was remembered by her husband Allan Bradford as a “one in a million” person who had a zest for life and was cherished by many.
Allan Bradford described his late wife as amazing, loving, and caring, with countless friends who adored her. The court granted Rickwood bail as proceedings continue. The community mourns the loss of Catherine Bradford, a beloved individual who made a positive impact on those around her.