Olivia-Violet Reeves: Man appears in court over death of 11-year-old Shrewsbury schoolgirl
A man has appeared before magistrates charged with causing the death of Shrewsbury schoolgirl Olivia-Violet Reeves by dangerous driving.
The 11-year-old died after being struck by a grey Range Rover as she walked to catch her bus home from a stop, in Mytton Oak Road, shortly after 4pm on June 15.
Roger Thomas Goodall, 77, appeared at Telford Magistrates Court and spoke to confirm his name and address, and to confirm that he understood the charges against him.
He gave no plea to a charge of causing death by dangerous driving and pleaded not guilty to a charge of failing to notify the DVLA of a medical condition.
A bail application by Mr Mike Surzyn, defending solicitor, was made the retired businessman's behalf.
The magistrates banned Goodall, of the Mount, Shrewsbury, from driving until August 7 when he is due to appear at Shrewsbury Crown Court . He was also granted conditional bail until then.
The hearing was also attended by the Olivia-Violet's parents and other relatives.
In a statement to The Shropshire Star after the hearing her parents said: "We are very heartbroken."
The year six pupil, who attended the town's St George’s Primary School, was rushed to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for emergency treatment before being transferred to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where she died.
Paying tribute at the time her parents said: “Olivia-Violet has been taken from us far too soon and it is hard for us to imagine how life goes on without such a vibrant, thoughtful and intelligent girl. With her kind heart, beautiful smile and inquiring mind, Olivia-Violet made a lasting impression on anyone she met.
“Quite recently Olivia-Violet raised money for an elephant sanctuary in Africa. She did this of her own accord, without being prompted by an adult. This was the kind of girl she was - inspiring and spirited.
“The world had so much more to show Olivia-Violet and she still had so much more to discover.
“Although we know her memory will shine brightly, we are truly broken hearted that Olivia-Violet has gone to be amongst the stars. Our heartfelt thanks go out to everybody involved in trying to save Olivia-Violet.”
Last year Olivia-Violet arranged a 24-hour sponsored silence to raise money for the David Seldrick Wildlife Trust.
The Reeves family had just moved to the village of Worthen where Olivia-Violet loved the country way of life.
Sharon Munro, headteacher at St George’s Junior School, said the thoughts and prayers of those at the school were with Olivia’s family. Flowers, candles and cards were also left by wellwishers at the site of the crash.
