Family of Michelle Atherton tell court of their heartbreak

Michelle Atherton, 47, died in the collision which took place at around 7am on Wednesday, July 5, 2022, at the junction of Broad Oak Road and Delta Road in Parr.

Michelle’s partner Kevin Marsh drove a Ford Fiesta head-on with a St Helens Council bin wagon after speeding in wet conditions.

Marsh, of Gaskell Street, Parr, was jailed for 16 years at Liverpool Crown Court for causing her death by dangerous driving, and must serve two-thirds of this behind bars.

In a victim impact statement by Michelle’s daughter Alleisha Atherton, read out by prosecuting barrister Kevin Gibson during Marsh’s sentencing, it was said her life “changed forever when I got a knock on the door from Merseyside Police” after the crash.

Alleisha said how she had to tell her brother and the rest of the family “she was gone because of someone’s careless actions.”

Her statement added: “She had asked for me at the scene of the incident and I wasn’t there for her. This will live with me for the rest of my life.”

She added: “The time she needed me the most I wasn’t there, this still haunts me inside every day.”

"I have had to carry my mum’s coffin because the man she trusted and cared about took her from us. He took her away from four children and six grandchildren.

"This is not over. This is just the beginning. I’m left with a massive hole that just cannot be filled. Now surviving and existing is the best I can hope for. We can try to continue with our lives and look up to the sky and make her proud."

Alleisha added her mum’s death has “caused me untold pain” calling her  “the most caring woman” and “so loving and an absolutely amazing mother”.

The sentencing took place at Liverpool Crown Court (Image: Stock)

A statement by Michelle’s son Michael Hopwood, also read out by Mr Gibson, said: “Losing my mum is the most painful and heart-breaking thing I have ever been through.”

He added: “It is so hard to live life without her, she was my rock.”

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After the tragedy last July, her family issued a tribute, which stated: “Our mum was the best mum that anyone could have ever dreamt or wished for.

“She had a heart of gold and a smile that would light up any room that she graced her presence with. You will be dearly missed by your four loving children, six grandchildren and your unborn grandchild. 

“We love you mum. You were taken from us too soon. We will love and cherish you forever and always.

"Michelle Maria Atherton (known to many family and friends as Shelly). We hope you rest in peace now with your mum.”

During today’s sentencing hearing, judge David Aubrey KC said: “Lives have now changed forever and her family will never be the same, she was to them the best mum to her sons and daughter, and their children have lost their grandmother.”

Judge Aubrey said Marsh “left her to die” because “you were thinking of your selfish self. At the scene she was calling out for her daughter and it pains her daughter that she was left alone to die.

“Michelle Atherton has been described as a kind-hearted and wonderful mother and grandmother and the family are left to mourn and grieve and will do so for the rest of their lives.”