A driver has been sentenced after a popular milkman was killed in a collision in Salisbury.
Callan Howitt, 30, of South Street in Warminster, appeared at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Friday 10 April after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving.
He received an eight-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, a 12-month driving ban and was ordered to complete 80 hours of community service.
The case relates to a collision in Exeter Street shortly before 6am on 22 November 2024.
Seventy-one-year-old Stuart Withers, from Shrewton, had parked his van with its hazard lights on while carrying out his regular milk delivery round.
He had stepped out of the vehicle and opened the rear doors when Howitt’s car collided with him and the van.
Mr Withers was taken to hospital but sadly died a short time later.
In a victim impact statement, his daughter Bridget described her father as “the kindest, funniest and most generous, caring man”.
She said losing him had been devastating, adding: “I have lost my absolute rock and best friend.”
His wife Maureen told the court she misses her “wonderful husband every single day” and said she never had the chance to say goodbye.
Detective Constable Alexandra Way from the Serious Collision Investigation Team said the case highlights the dangers of losing concentration while driving.
She said: “Taking your eyes off the road for even a moment can have devastating and irreversible consequences.”
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