Edward Riding, also known as Zeke, has been spared jail time after admitting to causing the death of his colleague, paramedic Alice Clark, in a tragic A21 crash. Maidstone Crown Court heard the devastating details of the incident, which occurred in January 2022, resulting in the loss of 21-year-old Alice Clark’s life.
Riding, responding to an emergency call, was diverted and took a wrong turn, leading to a collision with a cement mixer. The court learned that Riding, aged 45 and an Australian national, had no previous convictions or endorsements on his license. However, concerns had been raised by colleagues about his driving behaviour before the incident.
During the trial, statements from Riding’s former colleagues revealed apprehensions about his driving habits. One colleague, Calan Weller, expressed feeling unsafe with Riding’s speed and had raised concerns with a supervisor, to no avail. Another colleague, Amy Berry, observed Riding’s behaviour as potentially reckless, even making jokes about making a student paramedic feel uncomfortable.
The court heard that on the night of the crash, Riding was driving the ambulance with Alice Clark in the front seat and Megan Kuhn, a student paramedic, in the back. The ambulance was not transporting a patient at the time of the incident.
Evidence presented during the trial detailed the events leading up to the crash, including the ambulance’s speed and trajectory. Despite the efforts of emergency services, Alice Clark sustained catastrophic injuries and died at the scene. Megan Kuhn, who was also in the ambulance, suffered severe head injuries.
In sentencing, Judge Julian Smith acknowledged the tragic consequences of Riding’s actions and the remorse he expressed. Riding was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and disqualified from driving for 15 months. He was also ordered to pay fines and undergo unpaid work.
Speaking on behalf of the South East Coast Ambulance Service, a spokesperson expressed condolences to Alice Clark’s family and emphasized the importance of accountability and responsibility when driving emergency vehicles.
Detective Constable Claire Fullagar of the serious collision investigation unit highlighted the severity of careless driving, emphasizing the tragic outcome of a momentary lapse in concentration.
The conclusion of the court case brings some closure to the devastating loss of Alice Clark’s life, but serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibility that comes with operating emergency vehicles on the road.
