Double Death Driver, 90, Spared Jail

A 90-year-old man who killed a couple by reversing into them has been given a two-year suspended sentence.

Philip Bull made a "genuine but catastrophic mistake" when he backed into Clare Haslam, 44, and Deborah Clifton, 49, outside Withington Hospital, a judge said.

Manchester Crown Court heard that the pensioner pressed the accelerator instead of the brake in his automatic car when the incident occurred on 7 March this year. Bull had been dropping his wife Audrey, 87, at the hospital when he hit Ms Haslam and Ms Clifton.

The pair were both taken to hospital where they later died. Bull, who had served in the Armed Forces, was "hugely remorseful" the court heard.

Judge Martin Walsh said he had decided to suspend the sentence after "careful and considered reflection." He told Mr Bull:

"You made a genuine but catastrophic mistake. The consequences were unforeseen and completely unintended.

"The fact is that you will live for the rest of your life in the knowledge that your unintended actions on this occasion resulted in the deaths of two people.  That is your burden to bear."

Bull had no previous convictions and has been banned from driving for life.

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E & K Solicitors

Driving Offence Solicitors