Driver, 83, suffered leg spasm before fatal crash

Christopher Pattinson surrendered his driving licence a week after the crash

An 83-year-old driver who killed a retired police officer when a leg spasm caused him to lose control of his vehicle has been given a suspended sentence.

Stuart McPherson, 80, from Horbury, in West Yorkshire, died after he was hit by a Subaru Forester being driven by Christopher Pattinson in Skipton in March 2023.

Bradford Crown Court heard Pattinson had an involuntary leg spasm moments before the crash, causing him to mount the pavement and run into Mr McPherson on Belmont Bridge.

The former Royal Navy officer, from Skipton, was given a two-year jail term, suspended for two years, after he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

North Yorkshire Police said multiple witnesses described how Pattinson's car failed to give way at a junction and continued at speed, before mounting a kerb and hitting Mr McPherson.

His wife, Marjorie, who was also injured, said in a victim impact statement they had been married for 56 years, describing him as a "beloved" husband who "was kind, caring, loving and dedicated to his family".

"His death was untimely and tragic, and our greatest sorrow is that we were not able to say goodbye to him," she said.

She said the incident had shrunk her world and left her "afraid to visit Skipton" and "afraid to drive".

Stuart McPherson was described as being dedicated to his family

The court heard Pattinson, who walks with two sticks due to a neurological condition which affects his mobility, told police that as he put his foot on the accelerator at the junction his leg went into a spasm.

He said it had only happened before when he was at home and never while driving.

The court heard that professionals treating Pattinson's condition, known as spastic paraparesis, had not advised him to stop driving.

Abigail Langford, for Pattinson, said her client had been in "total despair" and was truly sorry for the incident.

She said Pattinson, of The Spinney, in Draughton, near Skipton, had voluntarily surrendered his driving licence a week after the fatal collision.

She told the court it was of significance he did not "carry on driving against medical advice" and she urged the Recorder of Bradford Jonathan Rose to suspend the inevitable prison sentence.

Miss Langford highlighted her client's age, his early guilty plea and his caring responsibilities for his wife.

'Unique and exceptional'

Judge Rose said he had carefully considered the medical evidence in the case and it was right to observe that no clinician had advised the defendant not to drive.

"You have surrendered your driving licence and you will never drive again," the judge told Pattinson.

"To be certain of that I intend to disqualify you from driving for the remainder of your life."

The judge explained that the "unique and exceptional" features of the case meant he could pass a sentence outside of the guidelines.

Speaking after sentencing, Det Con Laura Cleary, said it had been an "absolutely tragic and needless death".

"It highlights the need for everyone to ensure they are fit to drive before getting behind the wheel – regardless of their age."

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.