An elderly doctor who caused a north Cumbria road crash which killed a pedestrian and then left the scene without providing any medical help will be sentenced by a judge tomorrow.
Dr Samin Ahmed Khan, 75, was driving home alone on the evening of April 27 2019, eastwards along the A69 at Warwick-on-Eden, when tragedy struck.
From behind the wheel of an E-class Mercedes, Dr Khan failed to spot Robert Wilson also aged 75, crossing the road.
Mr Wilson’s wife Agnes, who had already fully crossed the road, watched in horror as her partner of 54 years was struck by the front nearside of the car.
Mr Wilson’s sister, Sandra Slack, heard the devastating impact and rushed to his aid. The three family members had been heading to a meeting at nearby St Leonard’s church hall.
Dr Khan had braked and swerved to his right in a desperate bid to avoid a collision.
Initially he got out of his car, along with another motorist who returned to his vehicle to call the emergency services.
But prosecutor Paul Brookwell told Carlisle Crown Court this afternoon: “It was during this time that Dr Khan, who had assessed that Mr Wilson was seriously injured and unconscious, then left the scene without providing medical assistance.”
Mr Wilson was transported to hospital in Newcastle but died from his injuries.
Khan returned to the scene around an hour later with his wife. He later spoke of suffering from shock and chest pain at the time.
His barrister, Tom Gent, told the court: “He is desperately sorry for his mistake. This is a tragic case.”
Khan, of Scaleby Hill, near Carlisle, admitted failing to stop, and also causing Mr Wilson’s death by careless driving on the basis that he should have been able to respond sooner than he did. He could not explain his delayed reaction.
In a victim impact statement, Mrs Wilson spoke of her husband being her comfort and best friend, Mr Brookwell saying: “She is now left alone.”
Echoing other thoughts she expressed, Ms Slack state of Khan’s decision to leave the scene: “How anyone, least of all a doctor, could do this beggars belief.”
Mr Gent said of Khan: “There seems little doubt this is something the defendant will never properly come to terms with. He is genuinely remorseful.”
The case was adjourned after the judge, Recorder Mark Rhind AC, asked for further time to read background reports.
Khan was granted bail and is due to be sentenced at the crown court in the morning.
