A MAN has received a 20 month suspended sentence, four years disqualification from driving, with an extended re-test, 100 hours unpaid work and a probation order following a fatal crash in Dock Approach Road, Orsett.
Trevor Jenkins, 55, from Herne Bay, Kent pleaded guilty to Causing Death by Dangerous Driving and appeared at Basildon Crown Court today, Friday, June 9.
Jenkins was driving a lorry while talking on his mobile phone using hands free, when he collided with a car that had broken down on Wednesday, July 27.
Jacqueline Welsh, 60, from Grays who was in the car, became trapped and had to be released by Essex Fire and Rescue.
Jacqueline was treated by paramedics and the air ambulance crew at the scene but she was sadly later confirmed to have died.
Senior Investigating officer PS Peter Swan said: “This is a tragic incident and sadly a reminder of what can happen if your concentration is not entirely on the road ahead. Drivers who are distracted, even momentarily, are an ongoing issue. Distractions include but are not limited to, using a mobile phone checking a Sat Nav or in car music system, any of which can reduce your forward facing vision and concentration, sometimes ending with disastrous consequences.
“I would like to pay tribute to Jacqueline Welsh’s family who have shown remarkable understanding and forgiveness towards Trevor Jenkins.”
In a moving tribute and incredible act of forgiveness Jacqueline’s family, said: “On Wednesday, July 27, 2016, the lives of two families changed forever. We know the driver of the truck that killed my cousin did not leave home that day with the intention to cause the accident, but was only trying to earn his living. He was distracted for a short time and this has cost us the loss of mother, sister, cousin, friend and breadwinner, whose seat will forever be empty.
“We are a Christian family and know that healing starts with forgiveness. We have forgiven the driver and pray he forgives himself.”
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