A driver has been given a suspended prison sentence after being convicted of causing the death of a pedestrian in a collision in Ingoldmells.
Richard Gregory, 58, was sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court after a jury found him guilty of causing death by careless driving following a trial.
The court heard that at around 12.30pm on Saturday 12 August 2023, Gregory was driving a Mercedes E-Class convertible west along Anchor Lane towards the A52 when his vehicle collided with pedestrian Gary Stephens, 63, of Forest Town, Mansfield, who was crossing the road near the entrance to Hardy’s Animal Farm. Mr Stephens died at the scene.
Gregory, of Chapelfield Crescent, Thorpe Hesley, Rotherham, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment suspended for 12 months and was disqualified from driving for one year. He had no previous convictions or driving endorsements.
An investigation found Gregory had turned left out of The Chase and Grange Holiday Centre onto Anchor Lane, which has a 40mph speed limit. Evidence presented in court established he was travelling at approximately 50mph at the time of the collision. Technical examinations confirmed there were no mechanical defects with the vehicle that contributed to the incident.
Investigators concluded the front offside of the vehicle struck Mr Stephens as he crossed the road. Although Mr Stephens may initially have been obscured by other vehicles, the court heard that Gregory’s speed reduced his ability to avoid the collision.
During police interview, Gregory said Mr Stephens came into view at the last moment after he had passed oncoming vehicles. He stated he attempted to brake and swerve but was unable to prevent the collision.
Detective Sergeant Adam Doona, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said the collision was the result of Gregory driving above the speed limit and highlighted the importance of drivers adjusting their speed to road and traffic conditions, particularly in busy areas with pedestrians.
