A 96-year-old driver who killed an 84-year-old pedestrian after being warned he should not drive by an optician has been jailed for more than two years.
William Beer pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving after hitting Illtyd Morgan on Bedwas Road, Caerphilly, on 6 April 2021. Beer, of Llanbradach, Caerphilly, was sentenced to two years and four months at Newport Crown Court.
He failed a roadside eye test carried out by police after hitting Mr Morgan and was only able to read a number plate 7m (23ft) away. Drivers should be able to read a registration plate from 20m (66ft) away.
In March 2019 his reading ability was described as “very poor” due to bilateral cataracts. But in November that year he renewed his licence because he believed regular injections had improved his vision. He failed to declare his medical conditions to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The court heard there was nothing in his medical records to suggest the injections would improve his sight, instead saying they would stabilise it.
In a victim impact statement, Mr Morgan’s son, Gareth, said his father’s death had affected him deeply. He said his late father had voluntarily given up his driving licence due to his failing eyesight and health despite the impact on his independence.
Judge Richard Williams said the defendant knew his eyesight was not good enough to drive but he believed Beer had not mentioned his medical treatment to the DVLA in order to care for his late wife who had dementia. His wife Miriam died at Christmas and her funeral was held 10 days ago.
IMO, Beer in a car was a loaded weapon - he was bound to hit something or, worse, someone sooner or later. His age may have impaired his judgement, as well as his eyesight and, IMO, it certainly seems to have moderated the charge and sentence.
Nevertheless, a sad case all round … 