A five-month-old baby died from a ‘catastrophic brain injury’ after a van veered onto the pavement and struck the pram he was lying in.

Little Louis Thorold was being pushed along by his mother Rachael on the pavement of the A10 near Cambridge, on 22 January 2021.

But Louis was killed and Rachael seriously injured after a van came off the road in Waterbeach and smashed into the mother and son.

Shelagh Robertson, 75, who had undiagnosed dementia at the time of the crash, was heading home from a shopping trip in her grey Mazda 2 when she drove into the path of an oncoming van.

The Renault Master had to swerve out of the way and onto the pavement where Rachel and Louis were, a court previously heard.

Louis was pronounced dead at 5.15pm in Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

His mother spent 10 days in a coma and 118 days in the hospital.

Robertson was cleared by reason of insanity.

The arents of Louis, Chris and Rachael, said: ‘Louis was the sweetest, happiest, joyful and most beautiful baby.

‘Louis had his future and all his potential stolen. A life sentence for us, his family, our community, and everyone who hears this story.’

A pre-trial inquest opened today where Peterborough Town Hall Simon Milburn heard how the ‘initial hospital referral suggested Louis died of a catastrophic brain injury’.

Mr Milburn said: ‘This is the first time I have had the chance to speak to family members and I pass my condolences for your loss.’

An inquest will be held later this year.

Following his death, the toddler’s family set up the Louis Thorold Foundation, which is campaigning for safer roads for young pedestrians.

‘Louis will live on,’ his parents added. ‘His legacy, that one day no one will have to deal with the death of a child on Britain’s roads.

‘Please, if you are in any doubt of your ability, don’t get in the car.

‘If you have any doubts about your parents, relatives or love ones’ ability to drive then please talk to them.

‘The consequences are serious, real, and they last forever; having a simple conversation can literally save someone’s life.’

Cambridgeshire County Council reduced the speed limit on the A10 from 50 to 40mph in June 2021.

Detective Sergeant Mark Dollard said: ‘This was an extremely tragic and sad incident and our deepest condolences go out to Louis’ family.

‘Regardless of the verdict nothing will ever bring Louis back and his family will have to live with that for the rest of their lives,’ he added.

‘It is, however, a stark reminder of how important it is for anyone who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle to be competent and capable of driving safely.’

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