Pensioner dies after being run over in the dark

Paul Bithell, a married father, ran over 79 year old pensioner Bill Cross who was grandfather to Port Vale striker Tom Pope.  

The incidence happened at Sneyd Arms pub car park November 2013 in Stoke on Trent.

The widow of the pensioner, Doreen, hugged Mr Bithell in court as she believed it was an accident.

Mr Bithell had pleaded guilty to the court as he admitted causing the death of the pensioner by careless driving.

He faced prison as he had also previously been convicted of drink driving however the pensioner's wife, Doreen, wrote a letter to the judge to say Paul had accidently killed her husband and he should be more 'lenient'.

Doreen said, "I asked the judge to be lenient because I didn't think the lad needed any more punishment. I hope he can move on now because I know he's been finding it very hard. As a family, we're just glad it's over."

Paul Cliff, defending Mr Bithell, said: "It was a momentary lapse of concentration."

The judge sentenced Mr Bithell to a 12 month community order with 120 hours unpaid work, a one year driving ban and ordered he pay £125 costs.

If you have committed a minor or major motoring offence, and need advice, contact our Nottingham solicitors today on 01159 419141 or email mail@thejohnsonpartnership.co.uk.

The Johnson Partnership

Road Traffic Solicitors Nottingham