Family pay tribute to man killed on country lane
THE family of a man killed in an ‘avoidable’ three-vehicle collision on a country lane have paid tribute to a ‘beloved partner, son, brother and friend.’
Simon Taylor, 34, was killed instantly in a crash at the junction with Table Oak Lane and Holly Lane, in Balsall Common.
Van driver Kane Jordan, 31, who “missed four stop signs” having failed to stop at crossroads, was found guilty of causing death by careless driving following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday, April 16.
Mr Taylor’s relatives have now released a tribute and picture of the talented carpenter and joiner.
It said: “Simon was a most beloved partner, son, brother and friend. Always smiling, Simon was also an expert face-puller with a really great sense of humour, he made us laugh so much.
“Simon was full of happiness, having an especially kind and caring nature which shone through. We love and miss him so very much and mourn the long life he should’ve lived had it not been for the totally avoidable road traffic collision which ended it.”
Van driver Jordan was behind the wheel of a white Mercedes
Vito travelling in Holly Lane just before 5pm on December 5, 2019. It was dark and as Jordan, who is from Stockton-on-Tees, was unfamiliar with the road, he was following directions from a sat nav on his phone, held by his passenger, police said.
Police investigators found that, as Jordan approached the junction with Table Oak Lane, he was travelling at about 30-40mph, within the speed limit, but he hadn’t seen the signs for the crossroads ahead or the “stop” sign. As a result Jordan failed to stop at the junction and instead drove into a Ford Ranger pick-up truck, which was travelling along Table Oak Lane, police added.
The force of the impact flipped the Ford onto its nearside wheels and pushed it into the path of Mr Taylor who was travelling in the opposite direction in a Honda Civic. The Ford landed on top of the Civic, and Mr Taylor died instantly.
Jordan, of Thornaby, Teeside, who remained at the scene, had denied causing death by careless driving, but was convicted after a trial. He was cleared of the more serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving and an additional charge of causing death by driving while uninsured. He will be sentenced next month.