A manager at Carshalton College due to stand trial on a charge of death by dangerous driving for a car crash 20 months ago has been acquitted.

On the eve of his trial the Crown Prosecution Service announced it had no evidence to offer, meaning Robin Greenaway is cleared.

The head of corporate and administrative services at the college was originally charged following a crash in April last year in which mother-of-two Jackie Hawkins was killed. She had also been employed at the college in Nightingale Road as a personnel services manager.

The two had been in a car in Ruskin Road, Carshalton, on Friday, April 14, when it veered out of control and smashed into some parked cars. No other vehicles were reported to have been involved.

The 37-year-old mum, from Belmont Road, Wallington, was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr Greenaway, who was 43 at the time of the crash, was treated for minor injuries in hospital.

No one at the college wished to comment.

A spokesman for the police team, who carried out the investigation, said: "We wish to offer our sympathy to the family of Jackie Hawkins at this very difficult time. The incident was thoroughly investigated by the collision investigation unit and evidence was presented to the Crown Prosecution Service."

A CPS spokesman added: "There has been a change in circumstances. We no longer have a realistic prospect of conviction."

December 14, 2001 15:30