Disqualified driver jailed over fatal hit-and-run

Stuart Nichols has been jailed for four years and four months

A disqualified driver who "callously left the scene" after he struck and killed a pedestrian, has been jailed.

Stuart Nichols, 46, admitted causing death by driving while disqualified after the incident in the Paston area of Peterborough in October 2022.

Karl Bradshaw, 41, who was described by his family as a "happy-go-lucky" father, son and friend, died at the scene.

Nichols was jailed for four years and four months by a judge at Cambridge Crown Court on Monday.

Det Sgt Craig Wheeler, of Cambridgeshire Police, said Nichols "caused the death of Mr Bradshaw who was innocently going about his business.

"He gave no thought to the catastrophic consequences of his actions by leaving Mr Bradshaw alone in the road with unsurvivable injuries,” he added.

Karl Bradshaw, 41, was killed in the hit-and-run incident in October 2022

The crash happened on Paston Ridings on 20 October 2022, at about 20:45 BST, police said.

Nichols' Black Renault Megane had been on the wrong side of the road when it struck Mr Bradshaw.

Witnesses accounts and automatic numberplate recognition cameras also identified Nichols' car, the force said, and he was arrested the following day at a farm near Crowland.

Nichols, of Empsons Farm, Crowland, admitted causing death by driving whilst disqualified at an earlier hearing.

He was also banned from driving for seven years.

'Justice'

The family of Mr Bradshaw said: "Karl was taken from us in a tragic hit-and-run and we have finally received a form of justice for him.

"Karl was a loving son, father, brother, uncle and a friend to many. He was a happy-go-lucky man, with a great sense of wit and humour.

"The shock and impact to our family and friends has been massive, but with the lengthy legal proceedings behind us, hopefully now we will be able to start to grieve properly."

Got a story? Email [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830