A tragic incident unfolded in Essex when an elderly driver, Norman McAndrew, veered onto the wrong side of the road and fatally hit a motorcyclist, John Murkin, after an unrestrained dog jumped onto his lap. McAndrew, aged 82 and hailing from Colchester High Street, was sentenced to three years in jail at Chelmsford Crown Court for causing death by dangerous driving. The crash occurred on 7th October 2023 in Ardleigh.
The court heard that McAndrew had been transporting a small white dog to his sister’s house in his Kia Picanto. The dog, left unrestrained, jumped on his lap as he negotiated a bend. This distraction caused McAndrew to lose concentration, cross onto the opposite side of the road, and collide with Mr. Murkin. Mr. Murkin’s sister expressed the devastation caused by her brother’s sudden death, calling it the worst shock she had ever experienced.
Witnesses reported hearing Mr. Murkin cry out for help after the crash, but he tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene. McAndrew admitted that in hindsight, he should have pulled over, braked, and tried to secure the dog properly. However, at the time of the incident, he only made a feeble attempt to restrain the pet by tucking its lead into a door. The court emphasized that McAndrew had ample time to take corrective action and prevent the fatal outcome. Judge Mary Loram KC described the case as a profound tragedy, acknowledging the real distraction posed by the unrestrained dog on McAndrew while driving
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