SOUTHEND: Man jailed over fatal road crash

A man from Great Wakering has been sentenced to two and half years in prison for causing the death of a cyclist in a road crash in Southend back in July last year.

The collision happened when a Vauxhall Astra struck a cyclist in Lifstan Way, killing 43-year-old Nigel Garrett from Newington Avenue, Southend.   It happened on Juy 4th 2009.

The driver, William Nash, 20, of Seaview Drive, Great Wakering pleaded guilty to the charge when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court at an earlier hearing. In addition to the prison sentence he has been disqualified from driving for four years and will have to resit an extended driving test.

Senior investigating officer, Inspector Dick Thomas of Rayleigh Road Policing Unit, told longpier.com:

“This investigation highlights the tragic consequences of drivers using excessive speed at any time of the day or night on the public roads.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Nigel Garrett, who died as a result of William Nash choosing to drive his car at excess speed within a residential area.

“We hope that the guilty plea and his sentencing will help family and friends of the victim feel that justice has been served.”