Driver who struck Black Country schoolgirl tested positive for drugs

Olivia Kolek, described by her family as their "brightest star", was crossing Station Road in Rowley Regis on New Year's Eve in 2021 when she was struck by a silver Mercedes near the railway station at about 4.48pm.

The Ormiston Academy pupil, of Anchor Drive, Tipton,  died at the scene from traumatic head injuries after being flung into the air before landing on the carriageway.  

The inquest held in Oldbury on Wednesday heard that police tests found driver Brendan Lord had cannabis and cocaine "breakdown" in his system and that the car had been travelling at speeds of approximately 34-38mph in a 30mph zone on impact.

Giving evidence Mr Lord, aged 42, who has not been charged with any criminal offence relating to the collision, told the hearing that he had smoked cannabis the previous day but could not account for the presence of cocaine. He said he was a regular cannabis user and was not feeling the effects of it the time. He also told Black Country Area Coroner Mrs Joanne Lees that he did not accept the speed calculation and that he did not see Olivia at any point.

Mr Lord said: "I do not believe I was travelling that fast. At the time of the accident itself I was doing below 31mph. I slowed down at the brow of the hill because of the pedestrians who were in the area."

He also said he did not see the schoolgirl, who was wearing dark clothing, before hitting her. 

The inquest also heard that a Fiesta driver travelling in the opposite direction also stated she did not see Olivia crossing in front moments before hearing a "bang".

West Midlands Police forensic collision investigator Pc Justin Williams told the inquest CCTV captured what happened. He said Olivia had walked along Avenue Road towards Station Road. Pc Williams said: "She was dressed in dark clothing and was talking to a friend on her mobile telephone. It was night time, but the conditions were fine a dry. All the street lamps were illuminated.

"At the same time a Mercedes was being driven by Brendon Lord in a easterly direction along Station Road. The pedestrian entered the carriageway on Avenue Road some 21 yards from a pedestrian- controlled crossing outside Rowley Regis Railway Station. She walked diagonally across the carriageway. The car was travelling at 34-38mph as it passed in front of the station's car park junction.

"It is likely that the low conspicuity of the pedestrian caused a delay in Lord identifying her presence. Testing has shown it is likely he would have become aware of her approximately two seconds before the collision occurred."

He said a decision had been taken by the force not to prosecute Mr Lord.

The inquest heard that Olivia had drunk some Vodka prior to the incident, but it was unknown whether this impaired her judgement. 

In her conclusions Mrs Lees said she was not persuaded that Mr Lord, who was driving his family to Quinton at the time, "could have reasonably expected to see a pedestrian" in the road. "At the point of which she became conspicuous I am satisfied with the evidence of two seconds before the collision. That doesn't mean that she was seen."

"The evidence  does not enable me to conclude that had the Mercedes been travelling according to the speed limit that the collision would not have occurred."

She recorded a conclusion that on the balance of probability the teenager died as a result of a road traffic collision.  

Olivia's Polish parents Izabela Maziakowska and Lucsaz Kolek were present at the hearing stated in a written tribute that their only child had a "great sense of humour", loved fashion and had many hobbies including dancing and baking.