82-year-old driver jailed after dog jumps into lap causing fatal crash
He ended up on the wrong side of the road, striking a motorcyclist from Suffolk
A driver who was distracted when their dog jumped onto his lap, resulting in a fatal collision with a motorcycle rider, has been jailed.
Today, Norman McAndrew from Colchester High Street was jailed for three years for causing death by dangerous driving in connection with a 2023 fatal collision.
The 82-year-old was also banned for six years and three months after he pleaded guilty to the charge at an earlier hearing.
An investigation into the collision was launched after police were called to Ardleigh just before 3pm on 7 October 2023.
The driver of a Kia car had been driving along the B1029 towards Ardleigh Heath when he was in collision with a motorcycle.
The investigation found that the dog Norman McAndrew had in his car had jumped onto his lap as he drove.
He admitted to officers that he was distracted by moving the dog away from his lap.
He ended up on the wrong side of the road, striking the motorcycle head on.
Despite help from people who lived nearby and paramedics, the rider, Mr John Murkin, sadly, died at the scene.
The 66-year-old was from Suffolk.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Brian Sitch said:
"My thoughts are with Mr Murkin’s family who have shown great dignity throughout our investigation.
The dog had been wearing an unsecured harness and sitting in a basket in the passenger footwell prior to the collision.
The Highway Code states drivers must ensure dogs are suitably restrained whilst travelling in a car.
We offer the following advice for anyone travelling with a dog in their car.
Restrain your dog by using a crate or guard in the back of your car to keep your dog safe.
Make regular stops on long journeys so your dog can have a drink and stretch their legs.
Don’t let your dog hang out of the window, sit in the front passenger seat or sit on your lap."
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