Tyrone man jailed for pensioner's death in epilepsy-related crash

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 16:03 · Archive

A man from County Tyrone has been jailed for over five and a half years after causing the death of a 75-year-old in a car crash whilst having a seizure.

Noel Collins, 35, of County Tyrone, was jailed for over five and a half years at Carlisle Crown Court on 21 October after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. On 1 July 2024, he was driving a Toyota RAV4 on the A595 between Mealsgate and Bothel in Cumbria when it collided with a Honda Civic driven by George Jackson, 75, a delivery driver who had just finished work. Mr Jackson died at the scene.

Collins had been told not to drive days before the crash because of an epilepsy diagnosis, which he had not disclosed to driving authorities. The court heard that he had hidden information from medical professionals to continue driving. Whilst negative for drugs and alcohol, Collins's behaviour at the scene was described as erratic. He initially denied being the driver but witnesses saw him at the driver's door.

Police investigation revealed that Collins had also been involved in a separate collision on the M6 motorway in a work vehicle, which he told officers was caused by a medical issue. After being taken to a train station, he then drove the RAV4 home, which resulted in the fatal collision.

How it is being reported

• Co Tyrone man ordered not to drive found guilty of killing pensioner in fatal crash“He ignored medical professionals; he disregarded his diagnosis and thought he knew better. He lied to medical professionals and he hid information from them - all so he could continue to drive."Belfast Live · 23 Oct, 15:16
• Tyrone man jailed for killing pensioner in crash after ignoring advice not to driveFormer athlete had been told not to drive because of epilepsyBelfast Telegraph · 23 Oct, 06:10

In this story: Noel Collins · George Jackson · County Tyrone · Carlisle Crown Court · Cumbria

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem