Speeding driver jailed over crash deaths of minister and wife
A speeding motorist was this afternoon jailed for four-and-a-half years after killing a minister and his wife in a crash.
Rev John Bedford and wife Audrey, who were both in their 80s, died when their grey Volvo collided with a black Audi driven by Damon Richardson on Wolverhampton Road in Oldbury last year.
Father-of-one Richardson, aged 23 and of Churchill in Frankley Green, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to causing the death of the couple by dangerous driving.
Wolverhampton Crown Court heard that Richardson was speeding at more than 80mph on the 40mph limit road before the smash, at the junction of Brandhall Road. When he hit the Bedfords' car, he was still travelling at more than 60mph.
Tributes were paid to Rev Bedford and his wife, who lived in Kingsway, Oldbury, by friends who described them as a 'mother and father' to many.
The couple were at the forefront of the baptist church in Oldbury for more than 40 years, and Mr Bedford, aged 82, led Kings Community Church, formerly Brandhall Church, on Tame Road and George Road for more than two decades.
They also served at Londonderry Baptist Church in Oldbury, and Baptist churches in Bewdley and Coseley.
