A pensioner who claimed he was blinded by the sun as he killed a pedestrian while driving at 34mph in Essex has avoided jail.
Alan Baker, 73, knocked down Terrance Watson in his Ford Focus as he passed a promenade of shops on Napier Avenue, Jaywick, in July 2013.
The 55-year-old was taken to the Royal London Hospital with serious injuries but died just over a week after the crash.
Today Baker, of Brooklands, Jaywick, who denied causing death by careless driving, walked free from court after being handed a 36-week suspended sentence.
He was banned from driving for two years and ordered to pay £5000 costs at Chelmsford Crown Court.
CCTV footage released by Essex Police shows the moment before the collision.
Ds Catherine Offord, of Essex Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said the incident highlighted the importance of adhering to speed limits after Baker marginally exceeded the 30mph limit.
She said: "[Speed limits] 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."
Mr Watson's family could not be reached for comment today but in a statement of tribute shared by police after his death, they said: "Terrance was an extremely loving son, brother, uncle and person. You could not find better character if you tried. He was free spirited, going wherever his heart led him.
“We will all miss him terribly and his smile will resonate in our hearts and minds forever."
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