Driver handed suspended sentence for causing death of man in Feltwell
It's after the death of 56 year old Leslie Norton in September 2021
A Thetford man has been handed a suspended sentence and a driving ban, after admitting to causing the death of a pedestrain last year.
33 year old Nathan Cooper, of Vincent Close, was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court on Friday (May 5) to six months behind bars, suspended for 18 months.
He was also banned from the road for 12 months, will have to complete rehab and serve a Community Sentence Treatment Requirement.
Cooper had admitted to causing the death of 56 year old Leslie Norton on 28 September 2021 through careless driving on Mulberry Close in Feltwell.
He also admittied diriving uninsured and without the correct licence, failing to stop and taking a vehicle without the owner's consent.
Cooper was behind the wheel of a Dacia Sandero when he hit 56-year-old Norton, who was walking home. He then drove away from the scene.
Mr Norton was discovered lying in the road seriously injured. He died in hospital on September 30.
Cooper claimed at the time he thought he'd hit a dog or animal. He saw the police cordon the following day and ultimately handed himself into police.
Detective Inspector Dave McCormack, of Norfolk Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This is a very sad case that has changed lives forever and it was wholly avoidable.
“Cooper should never have been driving. He will now spend the rest of his life in the knowledge that he has taken a man’s life and caused so much pain to so many people. Mr Norton’s family are heartbroken, and my thoughts are with them today.”
In a statement, Mr Norton’s family said: “We would like to say a huge thank you for the wonderful efforts of the police in bringing the charges and case to where it concluded today.
“We would also like to thank everyone that has supported and helped us during this time, and continue to do so.
“No amount of time can ever bring back our loving husband, dad, son, brother, uncle and friend.”