Disqualified driver killed pedestrian in crash

A disqualified driver who hit and killed a pedestrian before driving off has been jailed.

Stuart Nichols, 46, was driving a black Renault Megane along Paston Ridings, Peterborough, on Thursday, 20 October 2022, when he struck Karl Bradshaw, 41, who was in the road at about 8.45pm.

Mr Bradshaw had fallen into the road close to the Deaf Blind Centre and a taxi dropping people off at the centre drove round him and stopped nearby to assist.

Nichols turned into Paston Ridings from Hallfields Lane before going round the taxi and hitting Mr Bradshaw on the wrong side of the road.

Nichols carried on driving and Mr Bradshaw was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses identified the Megane Nichols was driving, and automatic number plate recognition cameras also confirmed he was in the area at the time of the collision, as well as linking him to the car.

Pictured: Stuart Nichols, 46. 

At the time of the collision, Nichols had been disqualified from driving for previously having no insurance.

Officers found the Megane parked up the following day in Crowland Road, Eye Green, and Nichols was arrested at a farm near Crowland.

Yesterday (Monday, 13 May), at Cambridge Crown Court, Nichols, of Empsons Farm, Postland, Crowland, was jailed for four years and four months having pleaded guilty to causing death by driving whilst disqualified at an earlier hearing.

He was also banned from driving for seven years. 

Nichols received no separate penalty for causing death by driving a vehicle whilst uninsured and a charge of aggravated vehicle taking and causing a death by an accident was ordered to lie on file. 

Detective Sergeant Craig Wheeler said: “Stuart Nichols should never have been on the road that day and showed a complete disregard for the law. He knew he was disqualified from driving and had no insurance.

“Through his poor driving, he caused the death of Mr Bradshaw who was innocently going about his business and callously left the scene. He gave no thought to the catastrophic consequences of his actions by leaving Mr Bradshaw alone in the road with un-survivable injuries.

“I hope the sentencing provides Mr Bradshaw’s family with some justice and closure.

“This collision highlights the dangers disqualified drivers pose to the public when they ignore their driving ban and the devastation this then causes when avoidable collisions, such as this, occur.” 

Pictured: Karl Bradshaw, 41. 

The family of Karl Bradshaw have released the following statement:

“Karl was taken from us in a tragic hit and run and we have finally received a form of justice for him.

“Karl was a loving son, father, brother, uncle and a friend to many. He was a happy go lucky man, with a great sense of wit and humour.

“Despite his own problems, he would always be there for anyone, whether it was providing help to be a friend or simply just to listen.

“The shock and impact to our family and friends has been massive, but with the lengthy legal proceedings behind us, hopefully now we will be able to start to grieve properly.”

For more on road safety, please see the dedicated road safety section of the force website.