HGV driver given suspended sentence after fatal accident

A “totally avoidable” fatal collision between an artic and an 89-year-old pedestrian has resulted in a 12-month suspended prison sentence and disqualification for the driver.

Stephen Bedder was also ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work when he appeared at Norwich Crown Court last week (7 May) after being found guilty of causing death by careless driving at an earlier hearing.

He had been driving a Renault tractor unit with an articulated trailer in May 2018 when he came to a halt at a pedestrian crossing almost three metres over the stop line.

Pedestrian Geoffrey Spalding stepped out in front of the vehicle to cross the road and as he did so, the traffic lights changed to flashing amber and Bedder moved off, hitting Spalding and knocking him to the ground.

The pedestrian sustained significant injuries and died at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital a few days’ later.

Following his sentencing, 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,” he added.

“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.”