Driver in court over crash that killed Watton cyclist

Dominique Hechanova, 39, died in Watton when he was walking with his bike across the B1108 Brandon Road after being hit by a Peugeot 3008 driven by Lukasz Chochowski.

The Filipino, who lived in the town at Merton Road and who worked as a butcher, died at the scene following the collision at around 5.30am on March 1, 2023.

Chochowski, 30, was arrested at the time on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

READ MORE: Man arrested after cyclist dies in crash in Watton

He appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court charged with speeding and driving without due care and attention.

Jessica Neequaye, prosecuting, told the court police and the Crown Prosecution Service were still assessing whether he will face a far more serious charge of causing death by either dangerous driving or careless driving. 

A decision is expected to be made within the next six weeks, magistrates were told.

The crash happened on part of the B1108 with a 30mph speed limit (Image: Newsquest)

Chochowski, of Station Street in Swaffham, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address and did not enter pleas to the current charges.

His case was adjourned until November 27.

An inquest into the death of Mr Hechanova has been adjourned while a decision is made on whether charges will be brought.

READ MORE: Dominique Hechanova inquest adjourned to await decision

His medical cause of death was given as a base to the skull fracture due to a road traffic collision.

A Go Fund Me campaign launched after his death by the Filipino community in Watton raised more than £5,800 in donations towards the costs of his body being returned to the Philippines where his extended family still live.

The B1108 is the main road through Watton and the crash happened on a section where the speed limit is 30mph.

It was closed for several hours after the crash with an air ambulance landing near the scene.