Tony Malpass and Joanne Beardsmore
Tony Malpass and Joanne Beardsmore

Tributes have been paid to a Burntwood couple who died in a crash on the A5 near Burntwood.

Tony Malpass, 29, and his girlfriend Joanne Beardsmore, 35, from Birch Avenue in Chasetown, died when their Kia Rio car was in collision with a foreign HGV at the junction of the A5 and the B5011, near the Terrace Restaurant, on June 17.

Tony Malpass and Joanne Beardsmore
Tony Malpass and Joanne Beardsmore

A statement issued by Joanne’s family said:

“Her brother and sister nicknamed her ‘Diggle’. This stuck through her life. When she started school when asked her name she replied Diggle Joanne Beardsmore. Growing up the three of them argued about anything and everything but as they got older no one could speak badly of any of them, they were the ‘Beardsmore Trio’.

“Joanne had two lovely children, her son who is now 15 and daughter, 11. Both children are an absolute credit to her, she loved them unconditionally and her love for them knew no bounds. She supported them in everything they did and coaxed and nurtured them in a way only a mother can. Her legacy will live on in her children, who have the same compassion and love that she had.

“Joanne loved life and was always helping others in every day issues or consoling people who needed her, she was always in demand. Everyone who knew her loved her; she was a very warm, funny and happy woman and was a true inspiration to everyone. We will miss her status updates on Facebook and popping on to say ‘good morning everyone’ each day.

“She met a great man, Tony, and they fell very much in love and her life was complete. Tony loved her and her children – they became a close and loving family unit. Tony was a quite shy, thoughtful, very friendly and happy man who came into our lives and will stay with us forever. He supported Jo and the children 100 per cent, helping with homework, going on trips and loving his new life.

“A truly loving couple whose lives were taken far too soon. Rest now for a while until we meet again. From your heartbroken children, parents, brother and sister. God please keep them safe and give them an extra special kiss.”

Pavel Dolejs, 43, from the Czech Republic, was charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving. He appeared at Stafford Crown Court on Monday (June 27) and was remanded in custody to reappear in August.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

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shaun shergold
12 years ago

i only knew jo from facebook,but im gutted about her sad,un-timely death,why is it always the good ones who get taken :-(.
rest in peace my beautiful friend
till we meet again at the poker tables in the sky xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx