Ion Tigulea, 40, escaped jail after admitting causing death by careless driving when he fell asleep at the wheel, killing Michael Wells. The court accepted sleep deprivation due to his newborn baby as the cause.
An exhausted new father who fatally crashed into another motorist after experiencing a 'micro-sleep' while driving has avoided a prison sentence. Ion Tigulea, 40, was allegedly sleep-deprived following the birth of his newborn daughter four weeks prior to the incident. He nodded off for an estimated six to eight seconds before his Volvo S40 veered into the wrong lane, colliding head-on with Michael Wells' Ford Fusion.
The court heard that the only plausible explanation for the fatal crash was Tigulea's lack of sleep. The tragic collision occurred on September 21, 2022, on the A33 single carriageway near Sherfield on Loddon in Hampshire. Mr. Wells, a 64-year-old from Wokingham, Berkshire, was driving to work in Basingstoke, while Tigulea, a tanker driver, was traveling in the opposite direction to his job in Reading. According to investigators, Tigulea's vehicle drifted to the near side of the road before mounting the kerb and subsequently swerving sharply into the path of oncoming traffic. Mr. Wells, tragically, died at the scene from devastating chest injuries. Prosecutor Simon Jones stated that Tigulea's driving fell below the expected standard for a competent driver and suggested that the new father's lack of sleep was the primary contributing factor. He emphasized that Tigulea's actions went beyond a mere momentary lapse in concentration. While Tigulea initially claimed he was well-rested and had slept for seven hours the night before, he later admitted to experiencing a micro-sleep during the fatal crash. Mr. Houston, representing Tigulea, highlighted his client's honesty, trustworthiness, and remorse. He noted that Tigulea supported his wife and two daughters and had fully complied with the UK courts. Tigulea returned to Romania with his family in Spring 2024 but was disqualified from driving in the UK following his admission of causing death by careless driving. Judge Adam Feest sentenced Tigulea to a six-month suspended prison term for 18 months, disqualified him from driving for 18 months, and ordered him to complete 200 hours of unpaid work
MICRO-SLEEP FATAL CRASH NEW FATHER PRISON SENTENCE SLEEP DEPRIVATION DRIVING DISQUALIFICATION
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nottingham Father-of-One Avoids Jail After Speeding Taxi CrashAmin Ali, 35, was driving at twice the speed limit when he lost control of his taxi, narrowly missing pedestrians and causing significant damage to parked cars. He was sentenced to a suspended jail term after admitting dangerous driving.
Read more »
Kate Lawler Avoids New Year Fireworks, Flees to CountrysideKate Lawler shares her Christmas plans, including a traditional Czech feast and a dog-filled celebration. She also reveals her dislike for New Year's Eve fireworks and plans to escape to the countryside.
Read more »
Cunha Avoids Hefty Ban After Offering to Buy New GlassesMatheus Cunha's disciplinary record and a sincere apology, including an offer to replace the glasses of an Ipswich Town staff member, have helped him avoid a harsher punishment for an on-field altercation.
Read more »
New Year's Eve Rain and Chilly New Year in Store for New EnglandNew Year's Eve will be dry with mild temperatures until midnight when showers begin and last through New Year's Day. A colder air mass moves in Wednesday bringing snow to northern New England. Strong winds expected Thursday combined with snow could cause power outages and damage. Lake-effect and ocean effect snow possible northwest and off the coast, but much of New England will see a dry, sunny, and chilly weekend. A potential storm next week could bring rain and snow to southern New England.
Read more »
New Governor, New Challenges for New Hampshire RepublicansNew Hampshire's incoming governor faces a host of pressing issues, including housing affordability, homelessness, and a challenging budget cycle. Simultaneously, the state GOP is undergoing a leadership change, raising questions about the party's direction and future prospects.
Read more »
Prince Harry Finds Strength in Father Figures as He Builds New Life in AmericaPrince Harry, after stepping down as a working royal, has created a new life in the US with his wife Meghan and their children. Despite his strained relationship with King Charles, Harry has found guidance from several father figures, mirroring his childhood experience of seeking emotional support after his parents' separation.
Read more »