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Driver jailed for causing fatal crash
A VAN driver, who caused a fatal head on crash when he cut a blind corner on a road in Thimbleby, has been jailed for 18 months and banned from driving for three years.
Ross Murrell, from Brighton, was on the wrong side of the road when his vehicle collided with a car driven by John Hextall on the B1190 in August, 2011.
Robert Underwood, prosecuting, told Lincoln Crown Court that Mr Hextall was driving from his home in Bucknall to Horncastle and was unable to avoid the oncoming van and suffered fatal injuries.
Mr Underwood said: “What Mr Murrell did was to inexplicably drive his transit van completely on to the wrong side of the road.
“It (the van) was on the opposite side of the carriageway to where it should have been.”
Murrell rang the emergency services immediately after the collision. He later told police that he did not see the other vehicle as he entered the corner.
Mr Underwood added: “He (Murrell) said he was travelling at around 30 to 35 mph. He could not explain why he did not see the oncoming car.”
Mr Underwood told the court the incident had a devastating effect on Mr Hextall’s family.
He had been married for 29 years and his wife relied on her husband because of her own poor health.
Mr Underwood said: “Since this she has had nightmares. She says her life will never be the same again. These were to have been the golden years of their lives.”
Murrell, aged 22, of Chestnut Drive, Hassocks, Brighton, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
Recorder Gareth Evans QC said: “What happened here is that he (Murrell) cut a corner and put his vehicle on the wrong side of the road.”
Joanna Staples, defending, said Murrell has expressed his sincere regret and has shown genuine remorse for what happened.
She added: “Since this incident, he has experienced deep-seated depression, flash backs and an inability to sleep.
“He was on the path of improving his life. In March last year, he obtained his first paid employment. He was attempting to create a life for himself.
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