A five-month-old baby who died following a crash on the A10 likely suffered “a catastrophic brain injury”, a coroner has said. 

Louis Thorold died at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge after a van mounted the pavement and crashed into his pram on the A10 in Waterbeach on January 22, 2021. 

The van hit the baby's mother Rachael Thorold and baby Louis, who was being pushed in the pram by her, killing Louis and throwing Rachael into the air, causing her serious injuries. 

Simon Milburn, an area coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, told a pre-inquest review hearing at Peterborough Town Hall today [March 22] that baby Louis died of his injuries. 

“The initial hospital referral suggested Louis died of a catastrophic brain injury,” said Mr Milburn. 

Last August, Shelagh Robertson was found not guilty of causing Louis’ death by reason of insanity. 

Ely Standard: Shelagh Robertson was found not guilty of causing Louis Thorold's death by reason of insanity. Shelagh Robertson was found not guilty of causing Louis Thorold's death by reason of insanity.  (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

The 75-year-old was driving home from a shopping trip on the day of Louis’ death when she turned into the path of an oncoming van on the A10 at Waterbeach, forcing it onto the pavement. 

Cambridge Crown Court heard that jurors found Robertson’s undiagnosed dementia had affected her driving. 

At the pre-inquest hearing, Chris Thorold, Louis’ father, questioned if any further investigation into granting licensing renewals for older drivers can take place. 

Speaking directly to Louis’ family, 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.” 

READ MORE: FOI reveals the number of A10 crashes between Stretham and Milton

An inquest hearing is due to take place later this year. 

In July 2021, Cambridgeshire County Council confirmed the speed limit on the A10 where baby Louis was killed would be reduced. 

The stretch of road near the Denny End junction in Waterbeach to near the slip road off Ely Road in Milton would be reduced from 50mph to 40mph.