Worcester Park fatal crash driver spared jail over death

Sirkka Thomas was walking around a parked lorry which was blocking the pavement near her home on Trent Way when it suddenly took off, running her over. 

Driver Imre Szucs was completely unaware he had hit her and carried on to his next delivery, Croydon Crown Court heard. 

A neighbour saw Ms Thomas injured in the street and she was taken to St George's Hospital by ambulance, although an air ambulance also attended the incident.

She died as a result of her injuries four days later on April 9 last year. 

Scuzs, 52, pleaded guilty to causing her death by careless driving but at his sentencing hearing on Wednesday (November 20) a statement from Ms Thomas’ family called for him to be shown leniency. 

Speaking on behalf of their family, Ms Thomas’s nephew said: “It seems like this was a very tragic accident. We got the impression the defendant was very shocked. 

“We do not feel any hate against the defendant. We have also learnt that the defendant was a widower and a single dad to a teenager. 

“We do not want anyone else to suffer because of this accident. Especially not a teenager being raised by one dad.” 

Ms Thomas was described as a “special” lady whose death was grieved by friends and family in Finland, Sweden and in the UK. 

“She was such a positive person and always had plans for the future. She wasn’t finished with life, she had plans and dreams for the future,” her nephew said. 

The fatal crash took place on a cul-de-sac in Worcester Park (Image: Google) Prosecutor Will Martin told the court Szucs would have been able to see Ms Thomas if he had properly checked his specialised mirrors. 

The driver had also failed to use his indicators as he pulled away, meaning sensors which could have alerted him to Ms Thomas’ presence were not activated, Mr Martin said. 

Police tracked him down later in the morning and he told them he had no idea it had happened. 

He immediately said he was deeply sorry and fully cooperated with the police investigation. 

Defending, Alison Bowden said her client has shown extreme remorse. 

“A probation worker who spoke to him said he was in tears throughout the interview. He has suffered extreme loss in his life so knows the pain Ms Thomas’ family must feel,” Ms Bowden said. 

Szucs lost his wife to illness four years ago and recently lost both parents, he is now raising a teenage daughter on his own, Ms Bowden said. 

He had been driving lorries in the UK for six years and in Hungary for 15 years prior to that. 

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Judge Elizabeth Lowe said: “Ms Thomas’ nephew tells me the family have been briefed about the circumstances of the incident and he comments that it seems like a very tragic accident and they got the impression, as anyone who has encountered you throughout this investigation and court process, that you are genuinely remorseful. 

“The statement goes on to say, bravely and admirably, that the family feel no hate towards you.” 

Szucs, of Cumberland Drive in Bracknell, was sentenced to 12 months in custody suspended for two years, meaning he will not be sent to prison. 

“I take that decision because of the impact an immediate custodial sentence would have on your daughter,” Judge Lowe said. 

Szucs will be disqualified from driving for 15 months.