A DRIVER who knocked down and killed a pedestrian has avoided jail.

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Alan Baker, 73, of Brooklands, Jaywick, who lost his own son in a road traffic collision, was speeding along Broadway in Jaywick and failed to slow down despite being temporarily blinded by the sun.

He crashed into Terrance Watson without braking.

Baker claimed it was a tragic accident but the jury at Chelmsford Crown Court decided he was responsible and convicted him of causing death by careless driving.

The incident was caught on CCTV.

Baker was sentenced to 36 weeks in prison suspended for one year at Chelmsford Crown Court today.

He was disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to pay £5,000 prosecution costs.

Det Sgt Catherine Offord, of Essex Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This was a very tragic incident and my thoughts are with Mr Watson's family.

"Mr Watson sadly died because Mr Baker failed to see him as he crossed the road.

"Mr Baker was travelling at between 32mph and 34mph, which was over the speed limit, and whilst it is accepted that it was not excessively over, it serves to demonstrate that speed limits are there to be adhered for a reason.

"They are a limit and not a target and this is a warning to other road users that just a few miles over the limit can result in devastating consequences.

"It is for all motorists to ensure they drive with due regard for other road users.

"Coupled with the speed, Mr Baker was faced with a number of hazards as he approached the scene such as a school minibus, pedestrians, junctions and cars to be overtaken.

"He should have reduced his speed to deal with them. Had he done so the collision would not have occurred."

She added: "We are satisfied with this sentence as it was correct for the circumstances we were investigating.”

Read the full story in tomorrow’s Gazette.