Taxi driver pleads guilty to causing the death of a 70-year-old woman as she walked on a pedestrian crossing in LutonA TAXI driver has pleaded guilty to causing the death of a 70-year-old woman, after striking her with his car as she walked on a pedestrian crossing in Luton.
Mr Azam Farooq of Blenheim Crescent in Luton admitted causing the death of Gillian Kean by driving without due care and attention, at Luton Magistates Court this morning (Monday, February 3).
The court heard that the collision happened just after midnight on August 21, 2013, on Percival Way, after the 44-year-old driver turned from Airport Way in Luton onto Percival Way.
Ms Gillian Kean, who had just arrived from Luton Airport following a peace mission in the Middle East, had crossed from one side of the carriageway to the central island via a pedestrian crossing in Percival Way.
It was as she crossed the second half of the road that the silver Mercedes Vito collided with her.
Ms Kean was taken to the Luton and Dunstable hospital, where she died from her injuries later that morning.
In interview Mr Farooq said that he did not see Ms Kean.
A passenger, who was in the back of Mr Farooq's vehicle at the time of the collision, said as they turned into Percival Way he could see the pedestrian, who was pulling her suitcase, on the crossing from around 30 to 40 feet away.
He added that he expected Mr Farooq to slow down, but he didn't.
A police collision concluded that Mr Farooq was driving within the speed limit, which should have meant he had time to see her and estimated that he had 3.7 seconds to react to the fact she was on the crossing.
A victim impact statement from friend and business partner Anabel, said: "To say that our world has been turned upside down is an understatement.
"We feel bereft without her."
The statement went on to describe Ms Kean as a kind, compassionate woman who spent a lot of time travelling to support good causes around the world.
In fact, Ms Kean had been on the night she died, she had been making her way to the Ibis Hotel to stay overnight following her return to Luton Airport.
The following morning she was due to fly to Bulgaria to investigate an alternative treatment for cancer.
Ms Kean had also spent time working as a supply teacher abroad, before becoming an antique dealer with a shop in Mayfair.
In more recent years she became involved in buying Hazelwood House, a bed and breakfast hotel in south Devon, after hearing the 60 acre site was to be split up and sold.
The document concluded: "I wish the driver no ill will and know that he (Mr Farooq) is sorry.
"We believe it was meant to be.
"We hope that he is given support and is not punished."
As Mr Farooq broke down in tears, his solicitor said: "She was there to be seen and he should have seen her.
"From the moment he was interviewed he has shown remorse and every single time I have seen him he has been close to tears about what has happened.
"This morning is the first time has has learnt more about the victim.
"He has been very upset and knows that has said this could easily could have been his mother.
"This is a man who has lost his livelihood after being a driver for 14 years."
Sentencing was adjourned so an all-options report could be completed.
Magistrates imposed an interim driving disqualification on Mr Farooq.
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