The elderly driver who drove over and murdered his wife’s best friend while taking them out to lunch was spared jail when the victim’s family petitioned for clemency.
Henry Booth, 78, of Droylsden, Greater Manchester, was parking his car at a local pub when it moved forward and he pressed the accelerator instead of the brake.
On October 21, 2012, his wife Joan and two family friends were walking inside the Haddon Hall pub when they were struck by a vehicle.
Barbara Daniels, age 83, died at the scene of catastrophic crush injuries.
Henry Booth and his wife Joan in front of Tameside Magistrates Court, where the old motorist was acquitted of all charges.
In October of last year, an accident occurred at the Haddon Hall pub in Droylsden, Greater Manchester.
Mrs. Booth, who was in her seventies, had a fracture to her pelvis, while Rita Robinson, who was also scheduled to have lunch with the group, suffered a fracture to her left shoulder and a tiny fracture to her back.
They are currently recuperating at home.
Booth faced up to five years in prison at the Tameside Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to causing death through careless driving.
However, he was granted a 12-month conditional release after Mrs. Daniels’ family pleaded for forgiveness in court, stating they felt ‘no hate’ towards him.
Stephen, Mrs. Daniel’s son, said in a statement, ‘We as a family are understandably grieved by my mother’s passing under such awful circumstances.
In addition to being a much-loved mother and cherished by her five grandkids, her passing has left a significant void in our lives.
“However, from the start, Henry’s family did not want him to be accused or face criminal consequences.
It is really unfortunate that one of these good gestures, such as driving my mother to appointments, resulted to her death. He and his wife have always been quite kind to my mother.
“He has endured the possibility of a punishment for over a year, and we hope that this, combined with his kindness, will be taken into account.” We harbor no ill will toward him and wish him and Joan well in the future.’
The court heard that the incident occurred just before one of the group’s regular lunches.
The prosecutor, Andrew Hey, stated, “The defendant stopped his vehicle, and the three passengers, one of whom was the defendant’s wife Joan, and two acquaintances, Barbara Daniels and Rita Robinson, exited the vehicle.”
“Mrs. Daniels and Mrs. Booth began walking in front of the car when the defendant abruptly accelerated forward, colliding with all three women.”
Mrs. Daniels fell in front of the vehicle and was run over, resulting in fatal injuries. She had reached the age of 83. Mrs. Booth had a fracture of the pelvis, while Mrs. Robinson suffered a fracture of the left shoulder and a slight fracture of the back.
Both patients were discharged from the hospital and are already recovering. Their injuries are no longer life-threatening or life-altering.
“The defendant’s vehicle continued to go ahead in the parking lot, striking a parked and unoccupied Mitsubishi Outlander.”
On October 21, 2012, Mr. Booth’s automobile struck his wife Joan and two family friends as they were entering the Haddon Hall pub.
‘Due to the collision, the Mitsubishi was forced through a hedge and came to rest on Haddon Hall Road, near to the pub parking lot.
The defendant’s vehicle came to rest partially behind the Mitsubishi in a hedge.
Mr. Booth stated in an interview that he used the accelerator instead of the brake as he unexpectedly began to advance.
He stated that there was insufficient time to remedy his error prior to the subsequent collision.
There are no prior convictions, cautions, or reprimands against the defendant.
In mitigation, defense attorney Howard Bernstein stated, ‘As lawyers, we sometimes become desensitized to these types of cases, but this one is truly terrible – more so than many other instances we routinely handle.
Joan Booth, the 70-year-old wife of Mr. Booth, and Rita Robinson were also injured in the tragedy that claimed the life of Barbara Roberts.
I was struck by the manner in which Stephen Daniels dealt with the loss of his mother and the grandmother of his grandkids under what he describes as catastrophic circumstances.
They were extremely close buddies. In addition, they had been friends for many years. It was intended to be a beautiful moment.
“Mr. Booth drove the three retired women to lunch, where they met for a get-together.” They were all ready to have a delicious pub lunch, something they do frequently.
He parked the automobile. In an interview, he explained that the wheels began to move because the hand brake was not engaged.
His wife also stated that it was inappropriate. He wanted to stop the vehicle by applying the brake, but he did not. He missed it and then stepped on the gas, and you saw what occurred.’
It was essentially an accident. Due to the fact that the hand brake was off and his attempts to address the situation, he was momentarily distracted. In my opinion, these are unique circumstances.
“At 78 years of age, he does not require rehabilitation.”
This accident has had a significant impact on him as well as the victim.
He must accept what transpired.
One of his closest friends was killed, and both his wife and a third individual were injured.
You can only image how much shame he will carry with him for the rest of his life.
Following the collision, he promptly returned his driver’s license, which is an indicator of how bad he feels about it.
He does not intend to ever again operate a motor vehicle. His wife, daughter, and two grandchildren have observed a change in him after chatting with him.
‘According to reports, he was a prominent individual at the time of the occurrence. Now, he is frail.
‘Normally, I would remark that a 78-year-old man who loses his good character is tragic in and of himself. In this situation, though, it is the least of his worries.
Every day, he must confront the tragedy of what transpired.
Mr. Bernstein told the court that the catastrophe could have happened to “the best of us” and that it was “a lesson for us all,” adding, “Everyone involved in this case will have to live with this for the rest of their life.”
I have nothing but gratitude for the families coming together and supporting one another. It is a truly awful situation. Mr. Booth is devastated by what has occurred. The evidence speaks for itself.
Booth was also sentenced to pay £107 in costs and was banned from driving for one year. During the court, Booth stated, ‘The only thing I would like to add is that Barbara’s granddaughter came around and we ended up hugging her and she was holding me. My wife was present, and we were all crying and hugging one another.
JP’s sentencing Steve Barlow told him, “We are all aware that this is a horrible case involving longtime friends. It is rare for us to receive something similar.
We believe that you will spend the rest of your life being punished by the memories. Today, you are not being punished. Nonetheless, if you commit another offense during the next 12 months, you will be penalised for the new offense in addition to this one. However, I am confident that will not be the case.
“We have heard that you have returned your license. We are delighted to learn this. As part of the process, you will be disqualified from driving for one year.’
Booth requested his attorney after the hearing whether he might shake the hands of the magistrates. Mr. Bernstein instead expressed his gratitude.
»78-year-old driver spared jail after family appeals for leniency«