Horse And Cart Traveller Tragedy: BMW Driver On Death Charge

Hiding: Budd

A BMW driver, accused of causing the death of a traveller, who was riding a horse and cart along a busy south-east London dual carriageway, appeared in court for the first time yesterday.

Billy Budd, 31, is accused of crashing into 32 year-old Mikey Connors, also killing the horse, on July 28, last year in Eastern Way, Thamesmead.

He appeared on bail at Bromley Magistrates Court and was sent to the Old Bailey for a plea and trial preparation hearing on July 1.

Wearing a blue suit, white shirt and blue tie Budd only spoke to give his name and date of birth, but was allowed to not give his address for fear of violent reprisals within the travelling community.

Budd is charged with causing the death of Mr. Connors by careless or inconsiderate driving and a second charge of causing criminal damage to the Connors’ family horse - ‘Big T'. 

The animal, worth £6,000, had to be destroyed as a result of injuries it sustained.

Mum Mary Connors With Mikey Portrait

Despite press objections magistrates granted a defence application - supported by the police and Crown Prosecution Service - for Budd’s address not to be disclosed.

Prosecutor Mr. Kavi Chooln told the court Mr. Connors was travelling in a horse and cart at 8.45am in the 50mph dual carriageway when in a collision with Budd’s white Series 1, 1.6 litre diesel BMW.

Mr. Connors was pronounced dead at the scene at 9.20am.

The deceased’s mother Mary Connors attended the hearing with a large picture portrait of her late son.

After the hearing Budd left court with his jacket covering his face and was whisked away in a car by family members.