Grandfather-Of-Six Died Following A Collision

The family of a grandfather-of-six who was killed in a car crash have spoken of their relief after a man pleaded guilty to causing his death by dangerous driving.

Retired bookmaker Albert Brown, 82, died after being involved in a car crash on Gorsey Lane in St Helens, on December 22, 2016. 

Albert was a passenger in a Citroen Xsara, which was being driven by his son, Tim Brown, 54. The car was in a collision with a Ford Focus traveling in the opposite direction, driven by the defendant, Carl Moffatt.

Having previously submitted not guilty pleas to all charges, Moffatt, 35 of, St Helens, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at Liverpool Crown Court.

Moffatt was also found guilty of two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, one in relation to Tim Brown and one in relation to Paul Sutcliffe, age 50, a rear seat passenger in Tim’s car. He was also found guilty of being over the drug drive limit and driving without insurance.

After the accident, Albert’s family instructed road accident specialists at Irwin Mitchell to support them.

Sarah Adams, the solicitor at Irwin Mitchell representing the family, said: “This is an incredibly sad case in which the dangerous actions of a driver have caused immense pain for a family and left Tim Brown and Paul Sutcliffe with serious, life-changing injuries.

“We will continue to support Albert’s family as they look to put this terrible ordeal behind them and focus on Tim and Paul’s rehabilitations and recoveries.”

Albert was the carer for his wife Sheelah, who is partially sighted, and his daughter Nicky. Albert and Sheelah had been married for 55 years at the time of the accident.

After the sentencing hearing on 18 September at Liverpool Crown Court, Mr Brown’s family said: “Today’s sentencing brings with it relief that the criminal trial is now over; however the family remain devastated at the loss of Albert.

“He was a much-loved gentleman and a truly devoted family man. Albert was a wonderful husband to Sheelah, doting father to Tim, Kathy, Alison, and Nicky, and a proud grandad to his six grandchildren.

“Dad was a happy, kind natured and generous man who only saw the best in people and was loved by all who knew him.

“He was a retired bookmaker who still enjoyed a day at the races with his son and loved watching sport on the television, particularly rugby league.

“The family now wish for their privacy to be respected as they look to move on with their lives and focus on Tim and Paul’s recoveries.” 

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in road accident cases.