Cement mixer driver denies killing cyclist

A construction boss has today (fri) denied killing an award-winning design student by knocking her off her bike with his cement lorry.

Stephen Hempenstall, 49, is accused of causing the death of Giovanna Cappiello in a crash at Wandsworth Road, Battersea, on July 4 last year.

The 29-year-old University of the Arts in London student was two weeks from graduating at the time of her death after being the first in her course to achieve A+ grades in theory and practice.

Hempenstall who was the director of an Ickhenham firm, appeared at the Old Bailey in a navy suit and denied one count of death by careless driving.

Judge Nigel Lickley QC bailed him unconditionally ahead of a hearing at the on July 16.

Hempenstall, of Thornhill Road, Uxbridge, denies death by careless driving.