Gorleston: Man Banned From Driving For Killing Pedestrian

12 December 2012, 17:27 | Updated: 12 December 2012, 17:45

A man's been banned from driving for 12months after he knocked down and killed an elderly lady in Gorleston.

83-year-old Hazel Watson from Gorleston died at the James Paget Hospital following the collision on the B1370 in November.

David Cole, 68, from Newlands Close in Lowestoft, was driving a blue Nissan Note which hit Mrs Watson as she crossed Middleton Road between Elmgrove Road and Gloucester Avenue. Mrs Watson was crossing with the use of a wheeled walking frame. Some passers-by came to her aid in the street but she sadly died in hospital having suffered multiple injuries.

Cole admitted causing death by careless driving at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court and has been disqualified from driving for twelve months and fined £200. He must also pay costs.

Steve Matthews from Norfolk Police's Serious Collision Investigation Team said: "In interview Cole admitted he did not see Mrs Watson in the carriageway and was only aware of the collision because of the noise and his windscreen falling in. Witnesses state she was clearly visible from other vantage points on the road, and a police collision investigator concluded that Cole should have had ample time to see her and react to her presence.

"This case should serve as a reminder to all drivers to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. This was a journey Cole regularly made but on that day last year, it had a tragic ending. I would like to extend my sympathies to Mrs Watson's family at this difficult time."