Driver who mowed down & killed pensioner, 80, as he crossed road had view blocked by dangling toys… as she’s spared jail

NewsUK News A DRIVER who mowed down and killed an 80-year-old pensioner after her view was blocked by stuffed toys dangling from her rear-view mirror has been spared jail. Rosemarie Ozsko, 65, hit John Nottingham, 80, as he crossed a road in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, on March 1, 2024. Stuffed toys hanging from Rosemarie Ozsko’s rear-view mirror, which significantly affected her visibility Credit: SWNS John Nottingham, 80, tragically died after he was hit while crossing the road Credit: SWNS The OAP died in hospital the following day as a result of his injuries. But reckless Oszko has managed to avoid a sentence behind bars despite the fatal collision, Leeds Crown Court heard yesterday. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The 65-year-old has instead been sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months. The court heard that Ozsko struck John after stopping at the junction of Waterton Road and Dewsbury Road. Ozsko took the left-hand lane as the lights changed to red. As she drove through the light, she hit John, who was crossing the road. Oszko pulled over following the collision, while several passers-by stopped and administered first aid until emergency services arrived. However, crash investigators later found that stuffed toys hanging from Ozsko’s rear-view mirror had “significantly affected” her visibility. Most read in The Sun West Yorkshire Police said she would have had a clearer view of Mr Nottingham if the toys had not been there. Ozsko, of Wakefield, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving on July 1. As well as being handed a suspended sentence, she was also disqualified from driving for two years. John’s family have since paid tribute to the pensioner. His heartbroken family described him as a much-loved husband, father, grandfather. They added that John is sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Cops have issued a stark warning to other drivers after the tragedy. Detective Sergeant Steve Suggitt said after the verdict: “This case highlights the importance of road safety, the highway code and the importance of keeping a windscreen clear to ensure drivers can see clearly. “Items such as mobile phones and Sat Navs should not be placed where they can interfere with your ability to see the road and those around you. “The tragic passing of Mr Nottingham should serve as a warning to other drivers, and our thoughts remain with his loved ones.”