Minicab driver killed 89 year old man while driving under the influence of Cocaine
A private hire driver from Liverpool who knocked over and killed an 89 year-old man while three times over the drug drive limit is due to be sentenced on Friday July 20. Paul Morrison, 43, who was high on cocaine at the time, drove into 89 year-old Andrew Oakden as he crossed a road in Gateacre on Saturday, February 18 last year. Mr Oakden was rushed to Aintree Hospital where he died the following day. Morrison was arrested and charged with causing death by careless driving. Morrison, who was driving his Ford C-Max, denied driving without due care and attention, but changed his plea once realising the jury would hear he had taken cocaine and also failed a police field impairment test. Defending Mr Morrison, David Birrell said: "It's a serious matter and there can only be one sentence, but I do submit the court would be assisted by a probation report"
(Image: Aintree University Hospital)
A report in the Liverpool Echo , confirmed; Judge Alan Conrad agreed to a pre-sentence report and adjourned Morrison's sentencing until Friday 20 July. Conrad confirmed that a prison sentence of some length is "virtually inevitable", adding that the maximum sentence the court can impose for causing death by dangerous driving is five years , but the maximum for causing death by dangerous driving or careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs is 14 years. In a statement by Oakden's family following his death, they said:
"Andrew Oakden, known to us as Andy, was a beloved brother and uncle and until her death, a loving husband to Kathleen.“
Andy had a passion for playing bowls and line dancing, he loved animals including his two ginger cats, day trips, and holidays with his late wife.“ He was taken from us in tragic circumstances and will be sadly missed by us all and all that knew him. God bless.”