A woman whose vision was obscured by cuddly toys caused the death of an elderly man in Wakefield. Rosemarie Ozsko, 65, killed John Nottingham, 80, after pulling up at the junction of Waterton Road and Dewsbury Road in March last year.
What happened
Ozsko moved into the left-hand lane as the lights turned red. As she drove through the lights, she struck Mr Nottingham, who was crossing the road. She remained at the scene in an attempt to assist him, but Mr Nottingham died the following day.
Ozsko had cuddly toys hanging from her rear-view mirror, which West Yorkshire Police investigators stated had a "significant effect" on her visibility. Had they not been there, she would have had a clearer view of Mr Nottingham, who was described by his family as a much-loved husband, father and grandfather, reports Yorkshire Live.
Court outcome
Ozsko pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and received an eight-month sentence, suspended for 12 months, when she appeared before Leeds Crown Court on Thursday. She was also banned from driving for two years.
Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Steve Suggitt, from West Yorkshire Police's major collision enquiry team, said: "This case highlights the importance of road safety, the highway code and the importance of keeping a windscreen clear to ensure drivers can see clearly."
"Items such as mobile phones and Sat Navs should not be placed where they can interfere with your ability to see the road and those around you. The tragic passing of Mr Nottingham should serve as a warning to other drivers, and our thoughts remain with his loved ones."
