Pub night out ended in tragedy for dad of two
GOT OFF BUS IN DARK AND STAGGERED INTO ROAD TO BE HIT BY CAR
A LOVING dad died instantly after being struck by a car following a night out at the pub.
Shaun Roxby was almost four times over the legal drink-drive limit when he stumbled off the footpath and was staggering in the road.
The pedestrian met his death when, in the darkness, he was struck by a VW Golf being driven by Dr Amanda Callander.
Mr Roxby, 36, of Bowburn, had been drinking with his partner and her brother in the Post Boy Pub in Ferryhill on February 24, 2020.
The three then left between 10pm and 10.30pm and got a bus from the market place to head home.
But just after 11pm, Mr Roxby asked the driver to let him off before the Thinford roundabout on the A688.
Senior assistant coroner Crispin Oliver heard at the inquest, held in Crook, that witnesses saw him stumble off the path and stagger in the road.
Dr Callander had been to orchestra practice in Newcastle when she was driving back to Spennymoor.
She collided with Mr Roxby who died instantly from neck and chest injuries.
PC Michael Woodhouse, of the Cleveland and Durham Collision Investigation Unit, said the road was in complete darkness and Mr Roxby had been in dark clothing when he was hit.
The car had been MOT tested just 24 days earlier and no safety faults found, the driver had not taken any drink or drugs and was not using her mobile phone at the time of the collision.
He said: “Intoxication is a factor regarding Mr Roxby, the pedestrian, and may account for any confusion and lack of awareness for his own safety.”
Mr Roxby had traces of cannabis and cocaine in his blood and had 300mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood – almost four times the legal drink-drive limit – which would have led to a “decreased lack of judgement and decreased balance”.
Dr Callander told police officers Mr Roxby appeared without warning.
Lead investigator Insp Catherine Iley said Dr Callander saw the figure within one metre of the car and was “unable to react in time”.
Mr Oliver concluded Mr Roxby died as a result of a road traffic collision.
After the accident Mr Roxby’s family paid tribute to the dad and described him as the most dedicated and caring father who adored his children Leo and Cody. He also leaves behind brother Andrew, sister Anne, mum Patricia, stepdad Gary and gran Joan.
The family statement said: “Shaun was the type of person who would do anything for anyone and was the most kind and fun loving person.”