Driver sentenced after crash kills beloved Salisbury milkman
Callan Howitt given suspended sentence for careless driving
A driver involved in the fatal crash that killed a milkman in Salisbury has been sentenced.
Callan Howitt, 30, from Warminster, appeared at Salisbury Magistrates Court on 10th April, receiving an eight-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months after admitting to causing death by careless driving.
The court also issued Howitt with a 12-month driving ban and required him to complete 80 hours of community service.
The collision occurred on 22nd November 2024, when Howitt's vehicle struck 71-year-old Stuart Withers on Exeter Street, Salisbury, as Stuart completed his regular milk delivery round.
Stuart had exited his van with hazard lights on to access the rear, when Howitt, driving to work, became distracted and collided with Stuart and the van.
Stuart was taken to hospital but sadly passed away shortly afterwards.
During proceedings, Stuart's family shared touching tributes, highlighting his kindness, humour, and generosity.
"My dad was the kindest, funniest and most generous, caring man," Stuart’s daughter Bridget said in court. She described her father as her "absolute rock and best friend."
Stuart's wife Maureen expressed: "I miss my wonderful husband every single day and I don’t know how I’m going to learn to live without him."
Stuart's son Pete conveyed the widespread impact of his father's loss, noting the outpouring of support from various people who valued him greatly.