Elderly driver sentenced after fatal crash in Skipton
Pattinson told police that a medical condition had caused his leg to spasm
An 83-year-old man has been sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving after a crash in Skipton that killed one pedestrian and injured another.
Christopher Pattinson, from the Skipton area, lost control of his Subaru Forester on 22 March 2023.
He failed to give way and accelerated onto Belmont Street, crashing into another vehicle before mounting the pavement and hitting two pedestrians.
80-year-old Stuart McPherson, from Horbury, died from his injuries.
His wife, Marjorie, was also hurt but discharged from hospital later that day.
Eyewitnesses described how Pattinson’s car sped through a junction, hit another car, and mounted the kerb before hitting the couple.
Two other pedestrians had to press themselves against a bridge wall to avoid being struck.
Pattinson later told police that a medical condition had caused his leg to spasm, leading him to lose control of the vehicle.
He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in May 2025.
Police are now reminding drivers, especially older motorists, to make sure they are fit to drive, both physically and medically.
"profoundly missed"
In her victim personal statement, Mrs McPherson said: “Stuart was my beloved husband of 56 years, father to our two daughters and grandfather to our three grandchildren.
"He was kind, caring, loving and dedicated to his family and is profoundly missed.
“His death was untimely and tragic, and our greatest sorrow is that we were not able to say goodbye to him.
"This has had a great effect on all our lives, particularly mine as I was present at the scene of the accident and was unable to be by his side when he died.
"He is still always on my mind.”
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Laura Cleary, of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Investigation Team, said: “This was an absolutely tragic and needless death that has devastated a family.
"It highlights the need for everyone to ensure they are fit to drive before getting behind the wheel - regardless of their age.
“If you do have a medical condition, please check whether you must disclose it to the DVLA, including any changes in that condition.
“Our thanks go to everyone who assisted the investigation and came forward to provide witness accounts.
“Our thoughts and condolences remain with Mrs McPherson and her family.”
Pattinson appeared at Bradford Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 24 July 2025) where he received a two-year custodial sentence, suspended for two years.
He was also disqualified from driving for the rest of his life and ordered to pay a victim surcharge.