Businessman Fatally Injured In Petrol Station ‘Tragedy’

The widow of a man who died after he was knocked down and dragged across a petrol station forecourt by a 90-year-old motorist has called on the Government to introduce annual testing for elderly drivers.

Leslie Gaskin reversed into Stephen Priddey, when the motorist attempted to set off, not realising he was there. Stephen, 66, was dragged under the driver’s Audi A3, across the forecourt and on to the road.

The driver only stopped when he crashed into a wooden post.

Following the crash which happened in Martley, Worcestershire, Stephen’s wife, Shona, instructed specialist road accident lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help investigate the circumstances of the incident.

Shona has now spoken for the first time about her loss and called for mandatory testing to be introduced for drivers aged over 75. 

It comes after Gaskin, of Martley, was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court, after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

Shona, 39, said: “Stephen was such a charming, warm and lovely person who was well liked by everyone who knew him.

“We still can’t believe he is no longer part of our family and there is not a day goes by where we don’t think of Stephen and all the plans we should be making and memories we should be creating.

“What makes it even harder to come to terms with is that his death was so unnecessary.

“No sentence will bring Stephen back. If any good can come out of Stephen’s death it would be through the introduction of annual mandatory driving tests for elderly drivers, not only to protect other road users but the drivers themselves.

“For many elderly people, driving helps them maintain their independence which is important especially in rural areas, but what is more important is that they should be able to prove they are not a danger to the public so other families don’t have to suffer the heartache we have because of Stephen’s death.”

Stephen, a former partner of chartered accountancy firm Harrison Priddey in Bromsgrove was married to Shona for 14 years. They have a 13-year-old daughter.

Stephen had walked from his nearby home to Central Stores at the junction of the B4027 and B4197 to buy a newspaper when he was hit by Gaskin’s vehicle at around 9.15am on Sunday, 17 September, 2017.

He suffered serious head, pelvis and leg injuries. He was taken to Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he died.

He enjoyed playing rugby, cricket and hockey as well as running and had just completed a five mile run before the collision. Stephen was previously a member of Bromsgrove Hockey and Cricket Club.

Expert Opinion

This is truly tragic case for all involved which has had devastating ramifications for Shona and the rest of her family. Their lives have been turned upside down by the events that happened that day.

“We urge motorists to take care on the roads at all times so other families don’t have to experience the loss that Stephen’s family have through no fault of their own.” Kate Hewson - Associate Solicitor

Gaskin, was sentenced on 27 June, 2018, to two years imprisonment suspended for two years, disqualified from driving for five years and will have to take an extended driving test when eligible to apply.

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