A 65-year-old driver has been sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months, after knocking down and killing an 80-year-old grandfather when stuffed toys dangling from her rear-view mirror obscured her view.

Rosemarie Ozsko, of Wakefield, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday alongside receiving a two-year driving disqualification, as reported by the Yorkshire Post and Daily Mail. She had previously pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving on 1 July.

The collision occurred on 1 March 2024 in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, as 80-year-old John Nottingham was crossing the road. The court heard that Ozsko drove through traffic lights just as they changed from amber to red before entering a left-hand filter lane, where her vehicle struck Mr Nottingham.

Ozsko pulled over immediately following the incident, and several passers-by stopped to provide roadside first aid before emergency services arrived. Mr Nottingham died from his injuries in hospital the following day.

Crash investigators from West Yorkshire Police examined the vehicle and confirmed that stuffed toys hanging from Ozsko's rear-view mirror had significantly affected her visibility, concluding she would have had a clearer view of Mr Nottingham had the items not been suspended from the windscreen.

Following the hearing, Mr Nottingham's family paid tribute to him, describing him as a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, and family member who is missed by everyone who knew him.

Detective Sergeant Steve Suggitt reiterated the warning to all motorists regarding vehicle visibility, stating that items such as mobile phones, sat-navs, and decorations must never be placed where they interfere with a driver's view of the road.