'The final blow': Tragedy of third son lost in Brierley Hill crash
A nurse who was hit by a car while on his motorbike was the last of three brothers to die young – leaving his heartbroken father to say: 'It's the final blow.'
Christian Hugh Davies, 50, known as Hugh to his friends, was killed on June 30 last year on Pedmore Road, Brierley Hill, as Alan Holloway cut across his path when turning right on the dual carriageway and hit his Honda CBR. Despite the efforts of paramedics and passers-by, he was declared dead at the scene shortly after the 6.55pm crash.
Holloway was yesterday sentenced to five months in prison, suspended for 18 months after pleading guilty at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Elwyn Davies, Hugh's father, told of the family's grief after Holloway was sentenced.
He said: "We are devastated, we will never get over it. This is the third of three sons that I have lost, it's the final blow. He was a highly respected nurse, he had 28 years' experience. He was extremely well-liked, as was proved at his funeral where over 500 people were in attendance.
"We are disappointed – nothing will ever bring him back.
"The defence barrister spoke about what a good man Alan is, but the court didn't hear about Hugh and how well-loved and what a great nurse he was. His colleagues and patients at work loved him."
Hugh's older brother Mark died in 1997, aged 34, and younger brother Adrian died in 1991, aged 22. Both were due to illness.
Prosecutor Howard Searle told the court: "The defendant admits he didn't check properly before turning right, into the path of Mr Davies, not giving him time to apply his brakes. Visibility was good, and the defendant can't explain why he didn't check."
Holloway, 58, of Adelaide Street, Brierley Hill, previously admitted causing death by careless driving.
Defence barrister Michael Duck QC said: "He admits it was a momentary lapse in concentration. He is a broken man, he's devastated but whatever happens, that is nothing compared to what the family are feeling."
Judge John Wait told Holloway: "Mr Davies lost his life in a road traffic accident. He was a family man and the victim statements that I have heard reveal the awful detail in which the family have suffered.
"He lost his life because you moved across into the lane of traffic he was travelling in. It was a bad mistake you made which has had the most appalling consequences. It is something which you will now carry throughout your life.This awful accident has had a terrible impact on two families."
Holloway was sentenced to five months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and was also ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and was disqualified from driving for 18 months.
