Momentary lapse of concentration led to horrific car accident on A47
This case surrounds a momentary error, leading to devastating consequences
Sergeant Mark Dollard MUCH-LOVED FAMILY MAN WAS KILLED IN A47 TRAGEDY
A man died in a car crash caused by a catalogue of driving errors from a pensioner who had pulled into a petrol station to fill up.
John Jenkins, 72, of Loughborough Road, Birstall, was killed on the A47 near Wansford, in Cambridgeshire, earlier this year.
A court case has now heard that the tragedy occurred after Stephen Titmarsh, also 72, “inadvertently” reversed on to the main road from the petrol station forecourt.
Titmarsh drove to the BP garage on the A47 near Wansford, Cambridgeshire, at about 4pm on April 21 to fill up, but on arrival he could not remember which side the petrol cap was on.
The pensioner then got out of his Renault Clio to check, but had inadvertently put it in reverse and failed to apply the handbrake or switch off the engine.
As the car started to slowly reverse backwards onto the A47, he climbed back in and tried to brake, but instead pressed the accelerator, which caused his car to shoot out onto the main road at speed and into the path of an oncoming Mazda 3, driven by 72-year-old Mr Jenkins.
The force of the impact forced the Mazda to hit a Fiat 4x4.
He was declared dead at the scene after emergency services arrived.
A woman in her 60s who was a passenger in the Mazda was taken to hospital with a severe head injury and continues to receive treatment.
The Fiat driver, a man in his 30s, escaped with minor injuries.
A witness said the Renault came “flying out” of the entrance to the petrol station and that it was going “very fast”. Titmarsh, of Thackers Close, Wansford, pleaded guilty to causing death by driving without due care and attention on Friday at Peterborough Magistrates’
Court.
He was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and disqualified for two years.
Police sergeant Mark Dollard said: “This case surrounds a momentary error, leading to devastating consequences. Titmarsh accidentally selected reverse and the accelerator pedal, causing his vehicle to speed into the carriageway, colliding with Mr Jenkins’ vehicle.
“This is a reminder of the importance of careful driving and the responsibility of all motorists to concentrate at all times when behind the wheel. It can only take a second to ruin lives forever.”
Mr Jenkins, of Loughborough Road, Birstall, was the chairman of Bowls Leicestershire, which supports all bowling clubs in
Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was also a former president of Leicestershire Bowls and had been president of Birstall Bowling Club.
Richard Smith, of Birstall Bowling Club, paid tribute to Mr Jenkins at the time of his death.
“John was such a force within the club, being a past president, a past secretary and competition secretary, and a tireless worker around the green. He was well known throughout the county and will be deeply missed by all.
“John was such a lovely man. He was a larger than life character, a real entertainer. His speeches were brilliant. He had the uncanny knack of being able to remember the name of virtually every bowler in the county.
“He was a dedicated family man.”