Toys impeded fatal crash driver's view, police say

Stuffed toys dangling from a rear-view mirror obstructed a driver's view shortly before she fatally struck a grandfather, police have said.

Rosemarie Oszko hit 81-year-old John Nottingham with her vehicle close to the junction of Waterton Road and Dewsbury Road in Wakefield on 1 March 2024.

Oszko, 65, was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, at Leeds Crown Court earlier.

West Yorkshire said the two toys had a "significant effect" on visibility from the driving seat and that the defendant "would have had a clearer view of Mr Nottingham" had the toys not been there.

Oszko, of Thornbury Road in Wakefield, had pleaded guilty to one count of causing death by careless driving.

Officers said the defendant turned left onto Dewsbury Road as a set of traffic lights turned from amber to red and struck Nottingham as he was crossing the road.

Oszko stopped at the scene, while other passersby tried to assist with first aid, but the victim died the following day from his injuries.

Det Sgt Steve Suggitt said: "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."

Oszko was also banned from driving for two years.

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