Lawyer cleared over grandfather’s death at zebra crossing
THE family of a great-grandfather knocked down and killed at a zebra crossing today told of their sorrow as the driver walked free from court.
Basant Lal Sharma, 91, was struck by lawyer Charlotte Griffiths as she drove to work through Wanstead in May last year.
The retired father-of-five was on his morning walk to the park. He died from severe head injuries in hospital.
Ms Griffiths, 26, told the Old Bailey that Mr Sharma must have stepped onto the crossing from behind a tree as she accelerated her blue Ford Fiesta to 10mph in second gear. After a twoday trial, during which she wept in court, she was cleared of causing death by careless driving yesterday.
Ms Griffiths, of Upminster, Essex, told police at the scene she had “no idea” how the accident happened and later added: ‘Oh my God, I’ve just killed someone’s Dad.’
After the verdict, Mr Sharma’s family said his wife of 70 years had died of a “broken heart” soon after his death.
His daughter-in-law Rajesh said: “If a person can’t use a zebra crossing, which we’re taught is the safest place to cross, then what is the world coming to?”
His son Yagya Sharma said: “We’re not looking for revenge but when you lose somebody you want justice. We have our own personal feelings about the woman. But our feelings were not important to the court — the law is the law.
“My father was a very careful man. He used that crossing four times a day, he would never take a risk.”
Mr Sharma established a successful clothing business before retiring 25 years ago, and moved to Wanstead to be with his son. He left 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
His son said: “My mother died not long after him, she was heartbroken. The stress of losing her husband in such a horrific way we think aggravated her illness. Our house feels empty without them banging around in the kitchen or playing with their grandkids.”
Ms Griffiths, who has no penalty points, was not affected by drugs or alcohol and there was no evidence she was distracted by her mobile. She denied and was cleared of one count of causing death by careless driving.