Hundreds of people have voiced their opinions on what has been described as a 'tragic accident' and a 'heartbreaking sequence of events' after a 78-year-old man was sentenced for causing the death of an elderly woman in a supermarket car park.
The Incident and Sentence
Raymond Bastable, 78, was sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court for causing the death of Joan Heaton by careless driving. He pleaded guilty and received a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a three-year driving ban on Tuesday, July 21.
The court heard that Bastable was 'slowly' reversing out of a parking space at the Tesco Express on Bromley Lane in Kingswinford when he struck Mrs. Heaton. The 85-year-old had 'paused' in the middle of the car park and was standing 'perfectly properly' in an area where Bastable 'was not able to see', the judge noted.
Limited Visibility and Timing
Bastable told police that a ramp installed at the rear of his Citroen Berlingo to allow wheelchair access for his late wife had 'limited' his view.
In a tragic twist, Mrs. Heaton died in hospital five days after the accident – on the same day that Bastable's wife, who had terminal cancer, also passed away.
Described in court as a 'genuine, caring man', Bastable stopped at the scene and offered help to the victim.
Public Sympathy and Criticism
Hundreds of people have shared their comments online, expressing sympathy for Bastable. One woman commented: "Definitely not in the public interest to prosecute the man, my deepest sympathy to all involved!"
Another said: "Unfair sentence - genuine accident. We all have blind spots and older cars do not necessarily have reversing sensors. How many times have pedestrians/shoppers walked close behind us when reversing out of a Tesco car park space?"
One person added: "All that sentence for a sad accident yet people get less time for death caused by real reckless driving."
A man said: "A very harsh outcome for a genuine accident. I wish both families well, but struggle to see the punishment handed down is even remotely in the public interest."
Other commenters noted the emotional burden on Bastable. One woman remarked: "When a relative is dying you have a lot on your mind. Car parks are dangerous and using pavements walkways best... waste of tax payers money prosecuting, prayers for poor lady."
Another added: "Very sad news but I don’t think he should have been charged. If she was walking behind the vehicle in his blind spot... I’m sure he’s had enough to deal with including his guilt for causing her death."
The Role of Open Justice
Some questioned why the case was reported publicly. However, reporting court proceedings is a cornerstone of the open justice principle, allowing the public to see justice being done and scrutinise decisions made by courts and public authorities such as the Crown Prosecution Service.
Identifying defendants by their full name, age and address helps prevent mistaken identity and rumour, ensures accountability, and avoids 'secret' justice.
Bastable, of Gower Avenue, Kingswinford, has now been sentenced and banned from driving for three years.
