Driver killed man in Wakefield after her windscreen was blocked by stuffed toys
65 year old Rosemarie Ozsko has been spared jail, following the death of John Nottingham in 2024.
A driver who hit an killed a man in Wakefield, after her view was partially obscured by stuffed toys, has been spared jail.
80 year old John Nottingham died in hospital in the days after being struck at the junction of Waterton Road and Dewsbury Road on March 1 2024.
Driver Rosemarie Ozsko, 65, failed to notice the lights changing from amber to red and hit John as he tried to cross.
She pulled over and tried to help, as did several passers by. John died the following day.
Investigators determined two stuffed animals attached to the rear-view had a significant effect on visibility and Ozsko would have had a clearer view of Mr Nottingham if they were not there.
She admitted to causing death by careless driving at Leeds Crown Court and was handed an eight month prison term, suspended for 12 months, along with a two year driving ban.
Detective Sergeant Steve Suggitt of West Yorkshire Police said:
“This case highlights the importance of road safety, the highway code and the importance of keeping a windscreen clear to ensure drivers can see clearly."
"Items such as mobile phones and Sat Navs should not be placed where they can interfere with your ability to see the road and those around you.
“The tragic passing of Mr Nottingham should serve as a warning to other drivers, and our thoughts remain with his loved ones.”