Mitcham lorry driver ran over pensioner while using his mobile phone

A lorry driver who ran over and killed an elderly pedestrian while using his mobile phone has been jailed at the Old Bailey.
David Robert Hastings, 45, of Manor Road, Mitcham was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment on Thursday, 8 March after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. Hastings was also disqualified from driving for a total of five years and must take an extended retest.
Hastings was driving a lorry in Fulham on Friday, 16 December 2016, when he collided with and killed 84-year-old Thomas Goodison.
Hastings had stopped at a t-junction between Fulham High Street and New Kings Road at 3.30pm. The lights controlling the junction were not working but while the lorry was stationary Mr Goodison began to cross. Hastings – who was taking a call on his mobile – began to pull away and struck Mr Goodison.
London Ambulance Service attended but Mr Goodison died at the scene.
Hastings stopped at the scene and was subsequently charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
Detective Constable Sejal Unadkat of the Roads and Transport Policing led the investigation and said:
“This is a prime example of the consequences of using a mobile device when driving. David Hastings was clearly not paying proper due care and attention while in charge of a heavy goods vehicle. He did not notice Mr Goodison in the road and moved away, inflicting fatal injuries.
“While Hastings has admitted his guilt and has been jailed for his actions, this will be of little comfort to Mr Goodison’s family who continue to deal with this tragic loss.”