A driver who caused a crash that killed two 96-year-old World War Two veterans has been spared an immediate prison sentence. Jamie Lawson, 22, lost control of his pick-up truck on a bend and struck a car carrying the veterans in Northumberland in 2019.
Lawson, from Corbridge, Northumberland, admitted two charges of causing death by careless driving. He was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, at Newcastle Crown Court. He was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and serve a four-month curfew.
The victims, Pearl Smith and James Johnston, were returning to their care home in Wooler after a day out at a military museum. Both had served in the war: Mr Johnston as a pathfinder for the Normandy Landings and Ms Smith in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. Two carers in the car suffered life-changing injuries.
Judge Paul Sloan QC said Lawson's driving was not dangerous but 'fell below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver'. He added: 'Lives have been shattered as a result of your lack of care. What occurred was not intentional or even reckless, but it was careless.'
