Shrewsbury driver sentenced over death of pedestrian, 64, as he crossed road
A Shrewsbury driver has been ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work after causing the death of a 64-year-old pedestrian by careless driving.
Judge Peter Barrie said it was a "complete mystery" as to why Nicholas Adams failed to see Malcolm Walker as he crossed in Longden Road in the town.
Mr Walker was hit by Adams' silver Ford Focus after getting off the number 26 bus, as he returned home, on January 6 this year.
The grandfather and father-of-three was taken to Royal Stoke Hospital by ambulance with serious multiple injuries but died in the early hours of the following day.
At Shrewsbury Crown Court, Adams, 48, of Belle Vue, Shrewsbury was ordered to serve a 12-month community order, including 100 hours of unpaid work and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.
He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £300, along with a victim surcharge.
Adams admitted to the charge of causing death by careless driving when he appeared at the same court on July 25.
Phillip Beardwell, prosecuting, told the court he had spoken with Mr Walker's family and they understood that it was a case of careless driving rather than dangerous driving.
He said: "Although there is a tragedy here, there was no criminal intent, resulting in careless driving."
Witnesses in the case said they spoke to Adams at the scene and he kept repeating that he didn't see the victim.
But Judge Peter Barrie said it was "baffling" as to why Adams did not see Mr Walker as he crossed the road on the day of the accident.
Sentencing, he said: "There were no obstacles in the way and you had two or three times the distance you would need to bring the vehicle to a complete halt.
"I recognise that it was twilight but it is the responsibility of the driver to take account of circumstances in the degree of care taken in the manner of driving.
"It is a complete mystery as to why you failed to see the pedestrian."
After the crash, which happened just after 4pm on January 6, police, firefighters, paramedics and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford were all called to the scene.
The accident happened close to the junction of Longden Road with Old Roman Road and the road was closed for several hours following the incident.
As well as wife Barbara, Mr Walker leaves three children and three grandchildren.
