Lorry driver who killed dad avoids jail over deadly A5 smash
A 'careless driver' who killed an 'amazing' dad when his lorry was involved in a slip road pile-up has walked free from court. Keith Collins was behind the wheel of a Scania articulated lorry when the horror smash took place near Tamworth[1].
The 57-year-old was driving 'without due care and attention' along the A5 Thomas Guy Way, near Mile Oak[2], when a number of vehicles collided on the slip road on May 24 last year.
Pensioner David May, from Sutton Coldfield[3], was driving a black VW Up when his vehicle was struck. The 76-year-old could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics shortly after.
Answer these 7 questions and we’ll tell you where in Birmingham you’re from[5]
Collins, of Frances Road, Stockland Green, Erdington admitted causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving. He was handed a six-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, when he appeared at Cannock Magistrates' Court on Friday, July 21.
Collins was also made subject to a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and banned from driving for 18 months. He must pay £185 costs and a £128 victim surcharge.
Scene of police and ambulance incident on the A453 Sutton Road, near Mile Oak. (Image: TMM)
The incident took place on the northbound slip road of the A5 and the A453 at about 5.20pm. West Midlands Ambulance Service[6] said at the time that it had found Mr May in a critical condition at the scene.
He was given advanced life support but was soon pronounced dead. A male passenger in Mr May's car had to be cut free by firefighters before being taken to hospital.
A white Ford Fiesta and a number of other vehicles were also involved in the collision. Two women were treated for what was believed to be non-serious injuries before also going to hospital.
Collins was assessed for minor injuries and was then discharged at the scene of the crash. Air ambulance crew were also dispatched to the tragedy.
Mr May's family previously paid tribute to him, describing him as an 'amazing husband and father', as well as a 'great family man' who 'who always made time' for others.
References
- ^ Tamworth (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Mile Oak (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Sutton Coldfield (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ 'Our dad was stabbed to death during a family feud - life will never be the same' (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Answer these 7 questions and we’ll tell you where in Birmingham you’re from (xd.wayin.com)
- ^ West Midlands Ambulance Service (www.birminghammail.co.uk)