Careless driver convicted of causing man's death in three-car crash
A driver whose failure to stop at a crossroads caused a three-car crash in which a 31-year-old man died has been found guilty of causing his death.
Simon Taylor, aged 34, died instantly when his car was hit in Balsall Common, Solihull, on the evening of December 5, 2019.
Van driver Kane Jordan was in a white Mercedes Vito travelling on Holly Lane just before 5pm.
It was dark and Jordan, from Stockton-on-Tees in the north east, was unfamiliar with the road so was following directions from a sat nav on his phone being held by his passenger, West Midlands Police said.
As the 31-year-old approached the junction with Table Oak Lane, he was travelling at about 30 to 40mph, within the speed limit, but hadn’t seen the signs for the crossroads ahead or the stop sign.
As a result, Jordan failed to stop at the junction and drove into a Ford Ranger pick-up truck, which was travelling along Table Oak Lane.
The force of the impact flipped the truck onto its nearside wheels and pushed it into the path of Mr Taylor who was travelling in the opposite direction in a Honda Civic.
The truck landed on top of the Civic, instantly killing Mr Taylor. The driver of the Ford suffered severe whiplash in the collision.
Jordan, of Thornaby, Teeside, who remained at the scene, denied causing death by careless driving but was found guilty after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
Mr Taylor’s family have now released a picture of their loved one and a tribute, in which they said: “Simon was a most beloved partner, son, brother and friend. His untimely death saw an end to his career as a talented carpenter-joiner, working in the Kenilworth area.
“Always smiling, Simon was also an expert face-puller with a really great sense of humour, he made us laugh so much.
“He loved animals and had a passion for the environment, enjoying walking and exploring the great outdoors whenever he got the chance with friends and family.
“Simon was full of happiness, having an especially kind and caring nature which shone through. We love and miss him so very much and mourn the long life he should’ve lived had it not been for the totally avoidable road traffic collision which ended it."
Sergeant Mark Crozier, from West Midlands Police's serious collision investigation unit, said: "Kane Jordan’s driving on that night caused a ripple effect so vast and subsequently affected so many people, who now have to try to rebuild and move forwards with their lives."
Jordan will be sentenced on Monday 17 May.
