Woman who 'didn't see' man crossing road before fatal crash is banned from driving

A woman has been sentenced for causing the death of a man while driving in Paignton. Doretta Winsor, 78, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving after striking Edward Langworthy with her car while he was trying to cross the road.

Sentenced at Newton Abbot Magistrates', the court heard how on Friday, November 3 2023, Edward Langworth crossed the road from Paignton Railway Station towards the Queen Victoria pub. The road was clear as Mr Langworthy began to cross.

Winsor's car had been stopped at a pedestrian crossing nearby and she started to drive as the lights changed to green. Mr Langworthy was still crossing the road as Winsor’s vehicle approached. He was struck by the front left side of the car which quickly stopped.

READ MORE: Grandfather killed on Devon railway line

READ MORE: Derelict Coppice Hotel in Torquay deliberately set on fire, say police

He was taken to hospital where he died from injuries he sustained on November 21. The defendant told police officers that she didn't see Mr Langworthy and that she didn't know why.

A collision investigation expert showed the court that Mr Langworthy was in the clear view of Winsor for six seconds before he was struck. A remorseful Winsor, who had maintained a clean licence for more than 50 years, voluntarily surrendered her driving licence following the incident.

The 78-year-old, from Paignton, was sentenced on Thursday, November 14 to 12 weeks suspended for 12 months and she has been disqualified from driving for 12 months with an extended test requirement. She must also pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

Sergeant Troy Bennett from the Serious Collisions Investigation Team said: “This is an incredibly sad case which resulted in the death of a vulnerable pedestrian.

"Doretta Winsor pleaded guilty to causing the death of Edward Langworthy by her careless driving. She was of previous good character and had maintained a clean driving licence for many years prior to this incident.

“It serves as a stark reminder to us all that we have a responsibility to ensure we drive carefully, and that even a momentary lapse of concentration can have fatal consequences.”