‘Almost blind’ killer driver shows no understanding of responsibility – coroner

Killer motorist Neil Pemberton was a “prime example” of why eyesight self-certification for driving licences does not protect road users, a coroner has said.

Pemberton, 81, was jailed for 32 months for causing the death of Peter Westwell, 80, by dangerous driving in Langho, near Blackburn, Lancashire, on March 17 2022.

Pemberton, described as almost blind, had a long history of eye disease and was informed on several occasions by different clinicians that he should not drive, the inquest of Mr Westwell heard.

He also repeatedly failed to declare his sight deficit on multiple licence applications to the DVLA.

However, when giving evidence to HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire Dr James Adeley, Pemberton said he did not understand why he had pleaded guilty, that Mr Westwell had caused the collision by suddenly appearing in the road and that he had no eyesight problems.

The hearing in Preston was told Mr Westwell had been seriously ill during the Covid epidemic but had rebuilt his fitness and returned to his hobbies of hiking and salmon fishing.

He had driven for most of his life without a traffic endorsement to his name but due to difficulties with his own eyesight he surrendered his licence to keep other road users safe.

On the day of his death he left home dressed in a bright red jacket for a walk on a clear day.

As he crossed Whalley Road he was struck by Pemberton travelling in his Honda Jazz at 48mph in a 30mph limit and was thrown into the air and died from spinal column and chest injuries.