Dangerous Driver who knocked down and killed a grandfather in Clacton jailed
Kelly Cox of Holmwood Close, Clacton, was jailed for 33 months for causing the death of Mr Norman Austin
A dangerous woman driver who admitted causing the death of an “adventure loving” grandfather in a fatal collision in Clacton, has been jailed.
Kelly Cox of Holmwood Close, Clacton, was jailed for 33 months for causing the death of Mr Norman Austin when she appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday 23 November. The 35-year-old was also disqualified for more than six years upon release from prison.
On Saturday 11 April 2020, just before midday, we were called to a collision in St John’s Road, which occurred near the junction with Jaywick Lane.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the driver of the Citroen, Mr Austin, 84, was, sadly, pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the BMW, Kelly Cox, was arrested at the scene.
Following the head-on collision, the road was closed for six-and-a-half hours whilst investigative enquiries were carried out by our Roads Policing officers.
In a moving tribute at the time, Mr Austin’s family’s sadness was evident when they said: “The circumstances in which Norm was taken from us has completely devastated our family and friends.”
Mr Austin left behind wife Elizabeth (Liz) who he had known since his teens, his children Neil, Dawn, Mark and Kirk and stepchildren Frances and Adrian and the rest of his large family.
Norman had served in the Royal Air Force Regiment early in his life, something he was very proud of, and still full of life, he had previously joined the march past at the Cenotaph in London and placed the poppy wreath on behalf of his local British Legion.
Norman’s love of driving was evident throughout much of his life, driving London buses and becoming a bus driving instructor before he became a taxi driver in his final working years.
A thorough investigation was immediately launched by detectives in the Serious and Collision Investigation Unit during which it was discovered that Cox’s driving was impaired by prescription drugs.
Kelly Cox was charged with causing Mr Austin’s death by dangerous driving, to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on 2 November 2022.
One year later, Kelly Cox was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court (Thursday 23 November).
Detective Sergeant Alex Black said: “I want to express my condolences to Mr Austin’s family.
“The driver who caused his premature death has now been jailed for her actions that day and will be disqualified from driving upon her release from prison.
“I hope that today’s sentence will allow Mr Austin’s family to move on with their lives.”