A driver knocked down and killed an 80-year-old grandfather after stuffed toys dangling from a mirror blocked her view.
Rosemarie Ozsko, 65, hit John Nottingham as he crossed a road in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, on March 1, 2024, a court has heard.
Mr Nottingham died from his injuries in hospital the next day.
Ozsko has avoided jail after being sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months, at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday.
Her trial heard she struck Mr Nottingham as she entered a left-hand filter lane after driving through a set of traffic lights as they changed from amber to red.
Oszko pulled over following the collision, while several passers-by stopped and gave first aid until emergency services arrived.
Crash investigators later found stuffed toys hanging from Ozsko’s rear-view mirror had ‘significantly affected’ her visibility.
West Yorkshire Police said she would have had a clearer view of Mr Nottingham had the toys not been there.
Grandfather John Nottingham, 80, died of his injuries a day after being struck by a car while crossing a road in Wakefield, West Yorkshire – his family has paid tribute to him
Rosemarie Ozsko, 65, was behind the wheel of the car that hit Mr Nottingham – a court heard how toys dangling from her rear-view mirror (pictured) hampered her visibility
West Yorkshire Police said she would have had a clearer view of Mr Nottingham if the toys had not been there – she has now faced trial at Leeds Crown Court after the March 2024 collision
Ozsko, of Wakefield, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving on July 1 this year.
As well as being handed a suspended sentence, she was also disqualified from driving for two years.
Mr Nottingham’s family described him as a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and family member who was missed by everyone who knew him.
Detective Sergeant Steve Suggitt said after the verdict: ‘This case highlights the importance of road safety, the highway code and the importance of keeping a windscreen clear to ensure drivers can see clearly.
‘Items such as mobile phones and Sat Navs should not be placed where they can interfere with your ability to see the road and those around you.
‘The tragic passing of Mr Nottingham should serve as a warning to other drivers, and our thoughts remain with his loved ones.’
