A 74-year-old pensioner has been sent to prison after causing a fatal car crash by choosing to drive against explicit medical advice, leading to the death of one woman and serious injury to another.
Ignored Warnings with Tragic Consequences
Alan Charles Parish, from Lodge Road in Rugby, was behind the wheel in August 2024 when he suffered a medical episode, causing him to crash on Ashlawn Road in the town.
Prior to the collision, medical professionals had explicitly told Parish that he was no longer fit to drive and had instructed him to inform the DVLA of his condition. He failed to act on this critical advice.
Court Sentencing and Police Statement
At Birmingham Crown Court on November 12, 2025, Parish was sentenced to four years and six months in prison for causing the death of passenger Margeurite Thomas by dangerous driving.
He received a further sentence of two years and three months, to be served concurrently, for seriously injuring the driver of the other car involved in the collision. The court also banned him from driving for more than seven years.
Detective Constable Francine Brown of Warwickshire Police stated: "Our thoughts are with the families affected. They have shown incredible strength, though we recognise that the sentence can never reflect the devastation caused."
A Preventable Tragedy
This case highlights the severe consequences of ignoring medical guidance regarding fitness to drive. The tragic death of Margeurite Thomas and the serious injuries sustained by another driver were the direct result of a decision to get behind the wheel despite being deemed unsafe to do so.
