A DRIVER from Fishponds has been given a suspended prison sentence after a collision which caused the death of a pedestrian.
Stuart Veck was driving in Clifton on December 21 last year when his Peugeot 108 car collided with 74-year-old Paul Adams, who was crossing the street.
Mr Adams, of Westbury-on-Trym, was seriously injured and died in Southmead Hospital three days later, on Christmas Eve.
The retired Rolls-Royce and postal worker (pictured above with his wife, Juliet) had been crossing Alma Road near the junction with Whiteladies Road before the collision, which happened at 11.35am.
CCTV showed 33-year-old Veck’s car was stationary before he turned right from Whiteladies Road into Alma Road.
He stopped immediately after the collision told police afterwards that he had not seen Mr Adams crossing the road.
Remorse
Veck, of College Court, pleaded guilty to a charge of causing death by careless driving.
At Bristol Magistrates’ Court today he received an 18-week suspended prison sentence, was disqualified from driving for 18 months and ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work.
The judge said the sentencing reflected Veck’s early guilty plea and remorse for what happened.
‘Tragic case’
Police investigating officer Dai Nicholas said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Adams.
“A specially-trained officer has continued to provide them with support throughout our investigation.
“Stuart Veck admitted responsibility for what happened during the police interview and has today been sentenced accordingly.
“This tragic case hopefully serves as a reminder to all road users that even in traffic at low speed, just a moment’s lapse in concentration can have devastating consequences.”
‘Paul will be sorely missed’
After his death Mr Adams’ family released a tribute via the police, which said: “Paul was born in Westbury-on-Trym and spent his whole life in that area.
“Before retirement, he worked for Rolls Royce and more recently Royal Mail.
“He had been happily married to Juliet for nearly 17 years.
“Much of his spare time was spent on charitable causes including Sacred Heart and St Antony’s churches, where he loved to sing, and the Mill Hill Missionaries.
“Paul will be sorely missed by his many friends, and especially by Juliet.”