CHILWELL MAN SENTENCED AFTER LONG EATON ROAD DEATH

Barrie Wakefield 59

A man convicted of causing death by careless driving re-appeared at Derby Crown Court on Thursday November 24th for sentencing. The court heard that on April 9th Mr Barrie Wakefield, 59, of Doncaster Grove, Long Eaton, was walking home at 10.25pm after an evening out. He was not affected significantly by what he had drunk. He walked normally across the road at the junction of Nottingham Road and Norfolk Road when he was hit by a Ford Focus driven by Mr Whyman. Paramedics and a passing doctor spent over an hour trying to resuscitate Mr Wakefield but he was pronounced dead at the scene. A post mortem showed he died of multiple injuries.
At the time Mr Wakefield was wearing a light coloured top. Reconstruction by an expert showed he would have been visible for 200yards. There was a crossing 25 yards away. Although the driver of the car travelling behind clearly saw him, Mr Whyman for some reason did not. After striking Mr Wakefield the car continued for a further 50 meters before stopping.
Judge JVR Gosling said that it was clear from the report that the car was in good working order, conditions were good and that alcohol was not present when Mr Whyman was tested.

Mr Whymans defence said: “Nothing I can say can lessen the grief felt by Mr Wakefields family. Mr Whyman wishes to express his remorse and sorrow for their loss. He has no intentions or desire to drive again.”

Summing up the judge said: “This has been a tragic case. I must apply the guide line. There are people who cause death on the road who are culpable but here we have a man of 75, fit and well, driving within the speed limit in good conditions. He has not driven since and will probably not wish to drive again. I will make an order accordingly. Proper sentence here is a three month Community Order, with a curfew from 7pm to 7am, disqualification for three years when he must take a re-test and costs of £150 which must be paid within 28 days.”

Mr Whyman had been driving in excess of fifty years and had three points on his licence from a previous speeding offence. He had failed to attend a previous hearing due to his wifes ill health.