M4 van crash driver found guilty of causing woman's death by careless driving
It happened on the M4 near Reading
Last updated 18th Feb 2026
A van driver who smashed into the back of a broken-down car on the M4 near Reading has been found guilty of causing a mother's death by careless driving.
Barry O'Sullivan, 45, of Wixams in Bedfordshire, crashed into a Nissan Micra in the outside lane of the smart motorway as he travelled westbound between Junction 11 and 12 on 7 March 2022.
Pulvinder Dhillon, who was a passenger in her daughter's car, was fatally injured when the grey Ford van failed to avoid them.
On impact, both vehicles were pushed forwards, and the Nissan caught fire.
Reading Crown Court heard that the smart motorway's warning system showed no alerts for a broken-down vehicle, as it had a technical failure that had not been fixed.
But Mr O'Sullivan was told he did not pick up on visual clues that there was a stationary vehicle in his path, and that he was travelling at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour.
He was not found to be driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
He is due to be sentenced on April 24.
A National Highways spokesperson said: "Any death on our roads is one too many and our thoughts are with the family and friends of Pulvinder Dhillon following this tragic incident.
"While nothing can ever compensate for their loss, the person responsible has been found guilty of driving carelessly."
Speaking outside Reading Crown Court on Wednesday, O’Sullivan said: “I would like to say how sorry I am to the family.”
When asked about what his next step will be in terms of potentially appealing against the outcome, he said: “I need to seek legal advice before I make any decisions.”