Killer driver, 88, asks for his licence back
AN 88-year-old driver who killed a motorcyclist in the northern NSW hinterland is appealing a three-year ban so he can get behind the wheel again.
And the family of the 22year-old victim is furious.
Edwin Patrick Jessop was less than 2km from his home when he pulled in front of Dann Jenkins, without giving way, at the intersection of Couchy Creek and Numinbah Roads on the morning of October 24, 2016.
Jessop pleaded guilty in the Lismore Court in September last year to one charge of negligent driving occasioning death. On December 11 he was convicted and received a nine-month suspended sentence and a three-year licence suspension.
Jessop lodged an appeal on the same day, saying that he needed his licence to get to medical appointments.
Jenkins’ mother, Sue Jenkins, said she was devastated to think Jessop could be back behind the wheel.
The Terranora woman, whose eldest son drowned in 1992, has been crusading for tougher testing for elderly drivers since Dann’s death.
“This man went to the shop to get milk and bread and killed our son,” she said.
“Mr Jessop is claiming that he needs his licence to get to doctor’s appointments ... he has family who are currently driving him to these.
“I am campaigning for tougher laws for older drivers, but regardless of how old you are, if you take a life on the roads, you shouldn’t be on them.”
Jessop did not answer multiple calls for comment.
Ms Jenkins and husband Gary have kept Dann’s bedroom exactly as he left it.
Mr Jenkins has installed a memorial at the crash site, but Ms Jenkins can’t bring herself to visit the place where her son died.
The family have two petitions pushing for tougher testing for elderly drivers, one for the NSW Government and one for the Queensland Government.
Each has about 1000 signatures.
“Every Sunday I sit at Bunnings with a clipboard and photo of Dann,” she said.
“We don’t have any support, we are doing this on our own.
“We want more done ... to ensure the elderly are capable on our roads.”
Medical reviews are required for drivers over 75 in NSW, and those aged 85-plus must pass a practical driving test with an instructor every two years.
In Queensland, motorists over 75 must have a medical certificate deeming them fit to drive to continue to hold a licence. These must be renewed every 13 months.
Ms Jenkins has requested a coronial inquest into the crash, but has not received a response.
Jessop’s appeal is scheduled to be heard in the Lismore Local Court on February 16.