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Czech pays £1,000 for fatal crash
Page 19
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A CZECH TRUCK driver who was responsible for a fatal road accident has been fined just £1,000 and will be allowed to continue driving on the UK's roads.
Speaking through his lawyer Petr Novak of Breznice pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention.
Cheltenham magistrates heard how Raymond Spalding was killed when his car was sent spinning off the M5 into a ditch by Novak's Volvo as Spalding returned from holiday with his wife Joyce on 10 November 2003.
Peter Ashby, prosecuting, said Novak had been driving in the slow lane, while Spalding was in the middle lane."The car was overtaking the lorry and the lorry then pulled into the middle lane and collided with the car," he added. "This caused the car to spin. It spun several times and as it left the edge of the motorway it turned over and came to rest on its roof" Novak told police that he felt the initial impact but claimed he had checked all his mirrors before making the manoeuvre.
An expert later found that Novak's truck had a blind spot beneath the cab where the car would have been travelling.
Michael Smith, defending, told the court: "We can clearly see this that is a most unfortunate accident. He is incredibly remorseful at the death."
Sentencing, Elizabeth Teague said: "We are of course aware that nothing can compensate for life. All we can do today is allowed to us in law. We are recording nine points on his licence and, having taking into account his means and ability to pay. will fine him £1,000."