Driver in court charged with causing M23 death of Canadian millionaire during Veteran Car Run
Canadian Ron Carey was driving a 1903 model Knox Runabout Old Porcupine at the time
Lorry driver Michael Black leaving Staines Magistrates' Court (Image: Grahame Larter / Surrey Live)
A lorry driver has appeared in court charged with causing the death of a Canadian millionaire during the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
Ron Carey died in a crash involving a lorry on the M23 on November 3, 2019 while he was driving a 1903 model Knox Runabout Old Porcupine alongside his wife, Billi.
The 80-year-old Canadian national was pronounced dead at the scene near Junction 7 at Hooley, with his wife being airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.
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They had been competing in the 60-mile veteran car rally as one of around 400 pre-1905 cars taking part along the route, which followed the A23 through Redhill and down to the coast.
At the time, it was alleged that the vehicle had come to be on the motorway having taken a wrong turning off of the A23 onto the M23 at Hooley.
On Wednesday (November 25), a man appeared at Staines Magistrates' Court charged with causing Mr Carey's death by dangerous driving, as well as causing serious injury to Mrs Carey.
Michael Black, a lorry driver from Maidenbower, in Crawley, appeared for an initial hearing, before his case was sent to Guildford Crown Court for a further hearing on December 28.
The 51-year-old, of Peppard Road, attended court alongside his wife for the short hearing.
He is charged with two offences, both of which are alleged to have taken place while he was driving a Rigid Scania lorry on the M23.
At an inquest that was opened into Mr Carey's death last year, a coroner said that the Canadian's cause of death was through head and neck injuries.
Emergency services at the scene of the M23 crash in November 2019 (Image: Rich Murfitt)
A large section of the M23 was closed for a number of hours after the incident had happened, while emergency services attended to the scene.
The Heritage Park Historical Village in Calgary, western Canada, paid tribute to Mr Carey following his death, saying he was a friend and benefactor.
Although the veteran car run is usually held annually, the 2020 event was cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
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