A CRIMINAL charge against a man who was accused of killing a road worker by driving a highways lorry carelessly has been dropped.

Pawel Feliks Stefanski, 32 and of Bordesley Green, Birmingham, had faced a charge of causing the death of Thomas McAuley by driving without due care and attention in Ferndown.

Mr McAuley, 54, suffered fatal injuries in the incident in Redwood Drive on Tuesday, July 5.

Following the decision by the Crown Prosecution Service to drop the case against Mr Stefanski, Dorset Police have confirmed no individual will face police action in relation to Mr McAuley’s death.

A CPS spokesperson said: “It is our duty to keep cases under constant review to make sure our legal test is met.

“Following the submission of further evidence from the police, it was decided that there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction in this case.”

Bournemouth Echo: Redwood Drive in FerndownRedwood Drive in Ferndown

The decision to initially charge Mr Stefanski was made on the threshold test, which is used when a full file of evidence is not available but the seriousness of the case justifies an immediate decision and there are reasonable grounds to believe that continuing the investigation will provide evidence that would give a realistic prospect of conviction.

When further evidence was submitted by the police and fully considered by the CPS Wessex lead prosecutor on road traffic fatality cases, the legal test was no longer met and the case was discontinued.

As reported, Dorset Police launched an investigation immediately after the incident was reported to them.

Providing an update on the force’s enquiries, a spokesman said: “We can confirm there have been no further arrests or charges in relation to this case and no individual will face further police action.

“We will continue to make enquiries on behalf of the coroner to assist with the inquest process.”

The Health and Safety Executive also launched an investigation and it has been confirmed to the Daily Echo that their investigation is ongoing.

The incident involved a Kiely Bros highways lorry, with the firm contracted to carry out work on behalf of Dorset Council.

A company spokesperson said: “Our primary thoughts remain with the victim, his friends and family. He was a colleague and friend to his crewmates and known to many of our wider staff members. As a business, we remain fully committed to assisting any ongoing investigation.”

An inquest into Mr McAuley's death was opened by senior coroner for Dorset Rachael Griffin in late July before being suspended until the outcome of the criminal proceedings.