Warmley man sentenced for causing death by careless driving
39-year-old Michael Ronner given suspended six-month prison sentence
A 39-year-old man from Warmley, has been given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving.
Michael Ronner appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, 5th June, following an incident that occurred on 5th December 2023.
He was driving a scaffolding lorry along the A4174 in Mangotsfield when it collided with the central reservation and overturned.
One of Ronner's passengers, 20-year-old Tyler Carley, suffered a fatal head injury and broken limbs, dying at the scene.
Ronner was arrested immediately and later charged.
The court also imposed a nine-month alcohol treatment programme, a five-day rehabilitation activity, and 150 hours of unpaid work on Ronner.
Additionally, he was disqualified from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay ÂŁ784 in costs.
Police investigation
Designated Investigative Officer Noelie Poupard commented on the case, highlighting Tyler Carley’s untimely death and Ronner's delayed guilty plea.
DIO Poupard said: “Tyler was a much-loved young man with his whole life ahead of him. His tragic death was a direct result of Michael Ronner’s lack of concentration and not appropriately ensuring the safety of his passengers while driving a lorry.
“It is exactly two and a half years to today’s sentencing since the incident for Tyler’s family to see Ronner sentenced for causing Tyler’s death.
“Tyler’s family have not only had to come to terms with his tragic death at such a young age, but the whole legal process which was prolonged by Ronner’s decision to wait until less than a week before his trial to enter a guilty plea. Had the plea been entered at the first opportunity, Ronner would have saved Tyler’s family a considerable amount of distress.
“All they ever wanted was for Ronner to take responsibility for his driving on the day Tyler was killed, and justice served.
“I would like to express my deepest condolences to Tyler’s family and commend them for the composure and fortitude they have demonstrated throughout this whole upsetting case. I hope today’s sentencing brings them closure.
“The police investigation was lengthy and complex, including several expert reports in preparation of trial, but it demonstrated Ronner’s actions were the cause for this collision and the death of 20-year-old Tyler.”
Authorities hope the sentencing underscores the importance of driving carefully, as distraction can lead to catastrophic outcomes for road users and pedestrians.