Overview
- Newcastle Crown Court sentenced James Murdoch, 43, following a September jury conviction for causing death by careless driving.
- Victoria Blair, 77, was struck as Murdoch reversed in Haltwhistle’s Holme Terrace car park on January 27, 2023, and died on February 3.
- Police said Murdoch left after calling emergency services and falsely claimed Blair had fallen before he moved, with CCTV and forensic analysis showing she was walking with a frame.
- Judge Julie Clemitson said Murdoch failed to check the rear blind spot and highlighted that he was using a replacement van without a reversing camera, sensors or an audible alarm.
- Reports differ on the length of the driving disqualification, with one outlet citing 20 months and another reporting 12 months plus a victim surcharge.