FROZEN windscreen wipers led to the death of a pensioner who was knocked down by a driver who could not see through his dirty window, a court heard yesterday.

Audrey Whaley died two days before Christmas last year while walking to her local newsagent, a journey she had made every day for 40 years.

The 78-year-old was hit at a pedestrian crossing in Stockton by Zafar Iqbal who, blinded by the sun, said he did not see her until it was too late.

Prosecuting at Teesside Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Lynne Roberts-Plowman said the morning of December 23 had been frosty and the sun was low in the sky.

Iqbal was driving a Toyota Corolla in Durham Road, Stockton, and was approaching the junction with Darlington Lane when his car struck Mrs Whaley.

Ms Roberts-Plowman said: “His washers were frozen so he had been unable to wash his windscreen. It was dirty, but he made no attempt to clean it.

“He was also blinded by the sunlight, but continued to drive.

“Mrs Whaley would have been on the carriageway for seven seconds before she was hit.”

Road traffic investigators deduced that Iqbal, of Greens Valley Drive in Stockton, had been driving at a speed of 34mph in a 30mph limit.

Iqbal, 39, who had previously pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving, yesterday admitted the lesser charge of driving without due care and attention.

The father-of-four was fined £505 and his driving licence was endorsed with six penalty points.

David Comb, mitigating, said Iqbal felt genuine remorse for what happened that day.

He said: “He was driving in difficult conditions. He said he did not see the pedestrian until it was too late. He has to live with that responsibility for the rest of his life.”

Mrs Whaley’s son, Colin, has issued a warning to all motorists, urging them to drive carefully this Christmas to prevent further tragedies.

In court with his sister, Sandra Davison, to hear the sentencing, Mr Whaley said: “Christmas was always going to be difficult for us this year, but it has been made harder by having the hearing so close to the anniversary of mam’s death.

“It might be over for the driver but not for us. He has lost some money – but we have lost our mam.

“The driver has shown no remorse or regret to me and my sister. I just hope that all drivers take heed of our tragedy and drive carefully this Christmas,” Mr Whaley added.