A Caerphilly county motorist, whose vision was impaired by a genetic eye disorder, has been jailed for more than six-and-half years after causing the death of an 84-year-old woman crossing the road in Pengam.
Andrew Perry, now 56, was sentenced at Newport Crown Court on Tuesday 16 June after previously pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
He will also be disqualified from driving for life.
Gwent Police received a report of a road traffic collision involving a red Ford Focus driven by Perry, from Glan-y-Nant, and a pedestrian, in Commercial Street, Pengam, at around 1.05pm on Thursday 22 February 2024.
Officers attended along with Welsh Ambulance Service and Welsh Air Ambulance.
The pedestrian – Gaynor James, from Pengam – was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition where she sadly died from her injuries.
Officers investigating the collision discovered that Perry was diagnosed with Stargardt disease in 2001 and had been living with this degenerative eye condition for more than 23 years.
Mrs James’ daughters Rhian Brooke and Cerys Phillips said:
“Our dear mother, Mrs Gaynor James is remembered, missed and loved every day by her family, friends and the community, of which she had been a part of, for so long.
“We will remember her kindness and her selfless, caring nature. She remains in our thoughts and prayers always.”
PC Spencer Clease, the officer in the case, said:
“This is a tragic case that has resulted in the needless loss of a life; my deepest condolences go to the family and friends of Gaynor James.
“Perry’s poor eyesight, caused by Stargardt disease, was a significant and dangerous factor for this entirely preventable collision. He should not have been driving.
“Perry’s decision to drive with poor eyesight led to the collision, causing the death of Mrs James who was crossing the road on her way to church.
“Following the collision with Mrs James, Perry failed a roadside eyesight test and claimed he couldn’t read or write.
“Due to the overwhelming evidence gathered by officers, Perry was left with little option but to plead guilty to the charge he faced in court.
“This case should serve as a reminder to everyone who gets behind the wheel – you have a personal responsibility to make sure our roads are as safe as possible and making sure your eyesight meets the standards of vision for driving is an important part of that.
“Your responsibility isn’t just to ensure your own safety, but the safety of everyone around you.”
Perry received a sentence of six years and 10 months imprisonment.
