Crime & Safety
A34 crash inquest for teenage delivery driver from Latvia
Vladimirs Pavuks, 19, who was born in the Baltic country, was declared dead at the scene of a road traffic collision on Saturday, October 25 last year.
The teenager died after crashing into a parked lorry which meant the road was closed for most of the day, reopening mid-afternoon.
A full inquest will be held at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, April 21 at 10am.
When the inquest opened last year a post-mortem gave the cause of death as “massive trauma” resulting from the crash on the A34 northbound between Islip and Weston-On-The-Green.
READ MORE: Lorry overturns on Oxfordshire A43 roundabout with driver trapped
Paramedic Richard Martin verified death at 5.50am on October 25 and Mr Pavuks’ body was identified by attending police officers using circumstantial evidence found at the scene.
Though born in Latvia, he resided in Coventry in the West Midlands.
The opening statement said: “It is reported that he was involved in a road traffic collision and was declared deceased at the scene.”
The purpose of an inquest is to determine the identity of the deceased and how, when, and where they died.
An inquest is a public inquiry to establish the facts of the death without assigning blame.
Inquests may also be held for other legal reasons, such as determining the value of found treasure in Oxfordshire.
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Jacqui Gitau, who is also the charity’s lead for Oxfordshire, has been made an MBE for her services to migrant families in the county.
African Families in the UK is a Community Interest Company that was formed in 2015 to support African diaspora families in the UK to get the best outcomes for their children through training and information on education, health and social care.
Through targeted initiatives, the charity aims to bridge the gap on various fronts, including food security, digital divide and other inequalities prevalent in health and education.
The charity also offers parent training and seminars to help achieve its goals as well as hosting activities and events to promote positive cultural practices.
“Oh my goodness, I don’t think I’ve got my head around it yet,” a jubilant Ms Gitau said.
She holds a first degree in community family development from Oxford Brookes and a masters degree in childhood studies.
With co-founder Rachel Walton, the duo started out as volunteers meeting in a library in Blackbird Leys, where women discussed the differences in parenting between the UK and their countries of origin.
She arrived in the UK from Kenya with a 17 month old baby and no support. Her husband had to work and she had no family around to help.
Dr Martin Reeves, who leads Oxfordshire County Council, has been awarded an OBE for services to local government.
Dr Reeves said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award.
“Local government is ultimately about people and unique places and, over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside dedicated and passionate colleagues and councillors who make a real, positive difference in their communities every day.
“The best of local government is when we bring people together across a place, understand what really matters locally, and help create the conditions for positive change.
“This award genuinely reflects that collective effort.”
Dr Reeves has served as chief executive of Oxfordshire County Council since March 2023.
He previously spent more than 14 years in the same role at Coventry City Council, where he led the most significant transformation of the city since the post-war era.
The honour recognises his long-standing leadership in public service reform, innovation, and place-based change, including his role in launching Oxfordshire as the first county-wide Marmot place to tackle health inequalities.
Tim Bearder, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This honour is thoroughly deserved.
“Martin has made a real and lasting difference in Oxfordshire and across local government more widely.
“He combines insight, integrity, and ambition with a genuine commitment to public service and improving the lives of the people we serve.”
The King’s Birthday Honours celebrate individuals who have made a significant impact in their field or community.
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