A driver who knocked down and killed an elderly pedestrian while driving at almost twice the speed limit has been jailed.

David Jordan Tolson, who had pleaded guilty to causing the death of Edward Bell by dangerous driving, was sentenced at Durham Crown Court on Friday afternoon.

The 76-year-old great-grandfather was walking on Delves Lane, Consett, when he was struck by a Seat Leon car driven by the Tolson, at 11.35am on Saturday June 19, last year.

He had been crossing Delves Lane and Tolson was doing 57mph in a 30 zone.

Mr Bell was treated by paramedics but was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 26-year-old motorist was arrested on suspicion of causing the death of Mr Bell by careless driving and released pending further investigation.

Police at the time appealed for witnesses to the collision to come forward and also sought any dashcam footage that may assist their inquiries.

The Northern Echo: David Tolson has been jailed. Picture: DURHAM CONSTABULARYDavid Tolson has been jailed. Picture: DURHAM CONSTABULARY

Tolson, of Dere Park, Delves Lane, Consett, was subsequently charged with the more serious offence of causing Mr Bell’s death by dangerous driving.

He has been jailed for three years and two months and given an extended driving ban for six-and-a-half years.

The Northern Echo: Eddie Bell with his wife MarieEddie Bell with his wife Marie

Mr Bell, a much-loved great-grandfather who lived in Consett with his wife, Marie, had been out to get some shopping.

In a victim impact statement read out at court, his widow, Marie, said: “We all loved my husband, Eddie, dearly.

"He was the head of our clan – a father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Eddie was devoted to our family – if he couldn’t fix the problem, nobody could.

“Eddie was tragically taken from us and leaves a void in our lives which can never be filled.”

Detective Constable Jayne Gatland, from Durham Constabulary’s Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This has been a tragic case for all involved and my thoughts remain with Eddie’s widow, Marie, and his family and friends, of which he had many.

“Tolson was travelling significantly over the speed limit of 30mph.

"He was also not wearing his glasses, which he was required to while driving.

“As this case has shown, speed limits are there for a reason – to save lives, and stop other families going through the heartache of losing a loved one in the most horrendous of circumstances.”

Read more: Boy on bike hurt at Newton Aycliffe railway station

---

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054