OAP cleared of dangerous driving
A "stubborn" pensioner who forgot to wear her driving glasses was cleared by jurors of causing the death of a young motorbike rider by dangerous driving.
A "stubborn" pensioner who forgot to wear her driving glasses was cleared by jurors of causing the death of a young motorbike rider by dangerous driving.
But Eileen Baker was fined £500 and banned from driving for three years after being convicted of careless driving. Stafford crown court heard Baker pulled out into the path of Paul MacKintosh's motorbike.
They collided and 22-year-old Mr MacKintosh suffered fatal injuries.
At the time of the accident, in Cannock Wood Street, Cannock, Baker, 75, was not wearing her driving glasses, which her optician had "strongly recommended" her to use.
The prosecution alleged Mr MacKintosh's death was caused by Baker driving dangerously – because she was not wearing her driving glasses and did not look or indicate when she pulled out.
But giving evidence, she told the jury she "never thought" to put them on when she left her friend's house to go home and watch Emmerdale.
Baker, of Danby Drive, Cannock, denied a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
Judge Paul Glenn told her: "You are a stubborn lady. You still don't think you have done anything wrong. I am satisfied your defective eyesight contributed to this tragic accident and in part explains why you didn't see the approaching motorcyclist."
In addition to the fine and the driving ban, the judge also ordered that Baker take an extended driving test before getting another licence.
"I don't expect you to drive again," he added.
The crash happened on February 11 last year. Mr MacKintosh, from New Road, Armitage, had gone with his partner Lucy Slater to retrieve his motorbike after having to abandon it during a snowstorm a couple of days before.
Miss Slater, who was driving behind in her car, witnessed the smash.
Baker, a great-grandmother, maintained she did stop at the junction and looked both ways before pulling out. Three days after the accident the police came to her home to carry out a number plate eyesight check. She was able to read it – both without and with her driving glasses.
