A young driver has been sentenced to more than three years in prison after a fatal collision near Charlecote resulted in the death of a 74-year-old man.
James David Beames, aged 21, from Lower Quinton, was handed a 162-week prison term at Warwick Crown Court on 9 March 2024. He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
The tragic crash occurred around 6am on 7 March 2024 on the B4086. Beames was driving a Ford Fiesta when it swerved into the path of a Microcar driven by John Edward Nutt, 74, from Wellesbourne. Mr Nutt died instantly at the scene.
In addition to his prison sentence, Beames received a 78-month driving ban and was ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge.
Investigator Craig Pearson revealed that Beames had used his phone multiple times during the journey, although there was no evidence he was using it at the moment of impact. Beames later claimed he fell asleep at the wheel, but this was never confirmed.
“What is clear is that the actions of one driver cost the life of an innocent man,” said PC Pearson. “Our message to all drivers is simple – put your phone on safe mode or keep it out of reach. No call or message is worth a life.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
