“Reckless and stupid” Peter Gardner, 82, had such poor eyesight he “shouldn’t be driving” when he “knocked” James Tassel six feet into the air. “Beloved” grandfather Mr Tassell, 70, was out cycling on a country road at 10am on a clear summer’s day when the pensioner’s silver Vauxhall Vectra plowed into the back of him. To pass a driving test, drivers must be able to read a number plate 20 meters away – but a vision test after the crash showed Gardner could only read a number plate three meters away. A court also heard that the retired rail worker had recently been told by an optician that he may be developing cataracts – but failed to arrange a follow-up appointment.
“His eyesight was so bad he shouldn’t be driving”
Salisbury Crown Court heard Mr Tassell was cycling near Andover at 10am. on July 23 last year when he suffered a “traumatic” injury after Gardner fell on his rear. Mr Tassell, known as Jim, from Andover, was rushed to Southampton General Hospital by ambulance and died five days later. At Salisbury Crown Court, Berenice Mulvanny, prosecuting, said: ‘Mr Gardner was driving in the same direction as [Mr Tassell] and collided with him from behind. “Witnesses are described [Mr Tassell] is launched two meters into the air. All the witnesses said that Jim could see. “Mr Gardner could only read number plates from three meters as opposed to the 20 meters that were set. “A field impairment test was carried out and Mr Gardner was deemed impaired. His eyesight was so bad he shouldn’t be driving.”
“I will never forgive you”
Mr Tassell was approaching his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife Stephanie, who described her husband as “loved” and “kind”.
