Pensioner killed by wrong-way driver
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by Keith Hunt
A confused driver caused a fatal accident when he travelled the
wrong way along a dual carriageway near Bluewater, a court
heard.
Eric Haylett, 75, died at the scene after Kevin Franklin's Jeep
crashed into his City Rover on New Year's Day last year.
Martin Yale, prosecuting, said it was the Crown's case that
51-year-old Franklin fell far below the standard expected of a
competent and careful driver.
Mr Haylett, from the Longfield area, had been visiting his
daughter and was returning home at about 10.30pm.
His journey took him along St Clements Way on the B255 dual
carriageway.
Mr Yale told Maidstone Crown Court Franklin had been to the
cinema at Bluewater with his family.
One of his daughters was also there with her boyfriend, who lost
his car key. Franklin went to get his car, while the others went to
see if they could help over the lost key.
As he tried to drive from one car park to another, he ended up
on Bean Lane, said the prosecutor. He crossed over to the wrong
side of a traffic island and carried on in the wrong direction.
Mr Yale said Franklin made a right turn onto the B255 St
Clements Way in a northbound direction on the southbound
carriageway directly towards Mr Haylett.
An off-duty police officer driving home from work heard a crunch
and saw smoke. He went to Mr Haylett's car and found him slumped in
the driving seat and showing no signs of life.
Franklin was taken to Darent Valley Hospital with a suspected
broken wrist and chest pains.
He told police he thought he was travelling in the correct
carriageway. He later said he believed he had turned onto a slip
road that would lead him back to Bluewater.
Franklin added he did not realise he was on the incorrect side
of the dual carriageway. Headlights appeared, he said, and there
was no time to avoid the other car.
Franklin, of Manor Way, Bexleyheath, denies causing death by
dangerous driving, but admits causing death by careless
driving.
The trial continues.
Thursday, January 26 2012
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