Man sentenced for causing death by careless driving in Norwich
He's been banned from the roads
A 64-year-old man has been given a 12 months' custodial sentence, suspended for two years, following the death of a pensioner in a road traffic collision in Norwich.
Stephen Bedder of Trafalgar Street, Norwich, was also disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work when he appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Friday (7 May).
Bedder had been found guilty of causing death by careless driving at an earlier court hearing.
The collision happened at a pedestrian crossing on Farrow Road (A140) just before the junction with the Earlham Road roundabout at around 12noon on Monday 21 May 2018. Bedder was driving a Renault tractor unit with an articulated trailer along Farrow Road towards the Earlham Road roundabout, and the pedestrian, 89-year-old Geoffrey Spalding, was waiting to cross at the pedestrian crossing.
On approaching the traffic lights, which were showing red, Bedder stopped his large goods vehicle 2.9 metres over the stop line.
As Bedder's vehicle came to a stop, Mr Spalding stepped out in front of the vehicle to cross the road. As he did so, the traffic lights changed to flashing amber and Bedder moved off, hitting Mr Spalding and knocking him to the ground.
Mr Spalding, who lived in Hayes, Middlesex, sustained significant injuries and died at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital a few days' later on 23 May.
Following Bedder's sentencing, Mr Spalding's family issued the following statement:
"We would like to thank Norfolk Constabulary for their thorough investigation into the accident in May 2018 that led to his tragic death and for the care and support given to the family throughout this long time leading to the trial.
"Although Geoffrey was perceived to be an elderly man walking with a stoop he was well aware of his surroundings. On the morning of the accident he had travelled by train from his home in Middlesex and made his way from the station to pay his annual visit to his parents' grave across the road in Earlham cemetery. In fact, his bags contained items like flowers and cleaning materials for that visit. He took care in crossing Earlham Road, did not dash across, in order to get to the crossing in Farrow Road.
"We are happy with the verdict that justice has been done and may Geoffrey rest in peace."
Andy Hughes from Norfolk Constabulary's Serious Collision Investigation Team said:
"Nothing can compensate for the loss of a loved one. However, I sincerely hope the conviction and sentencing of Bedder will provide some comfort to Mr Spalding's family.
"This collision was totally avoidable. Our investigation established that Bedder reacted late to the red light, stopping well over the stop line and, having done so, then set off on a flashing amber light failing to see Mr Spalding crossing in front of him. Had he stopped in the correct place and checked his mirror checks thoroughly, he would have seen Mr Spalding and been able to react.
"This is a sad case; one that highlights just how important it is for drivers to be fully aware of their surroundings and concentrate when they're behind the wheel. I want to urge all drivers to ensure their mirrors, including the additional proximity mirrors fitted to large goods' vehicles, are correctly positioned and clean. Also, please take a proper look around you before setting off in your vehicle - it is the driver's responsibility to check their direction of travel is clear and it is safe to proceed.
"Pedestrians should also be mindful of the limited view afforded to drivers of large vehicles and exercise extra caution when moving around them. Where possible, check to see if the driver is aware of your presence and consider if it is safe to cross in that area. If in doubt, wait or move to another location."