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Taxi driver killed OAP, 89, while three times over drug drive limit after taking cocaine
A cocaine-snorting taxi driver knocked down and killed an OAP while three times over the drug-driving limit. Andrew Oakden, 89, was struck by a private hire taxi as he crossed Grange Lane in Gateacre on Saturday, February 18 last year.
Mr Oakden was taken by ambulance to Aintree hospital following the crash, which happened at around 11.25pm, but died the next day. Paul Morrison, 43, of Greenbank Drive, Sefton Park, was arrested at the scene and later charged with causing death by careless driving.
He denied driving without due care and attention when three times over the legal limit for the main metabolite of cocaine, Benzoylecgonine. Morrison, of Greenbank Drive, Sefton Park, was set to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court over killing Mr Oakden in his Ford C-Max car.
But he changed his plea after a judge ruled that jurors would hear he had taken cocaine and also failed a police field impairment test.
David Birrell, defending, asked if his client could be re-arraigned, at which point Morrison, in a suit, shirt and tie, pleaded guilty. Mr Birrell said: "It's a serious matter and there can only be one sentence, but I do submit the court would be assisted by a probation report."
Judge Alan Conrad, QC, agreed and ordered a pre-sentence report, before adjourning Morrison's sentencing until Friday, July 20. He granted him bail but said: "It's virtually inevitable in a case like this that there will be a prison sentence of some length."
Judge Conrad added: "You are disqualified from driving as of now."The maximum prison sentence the court can impose for causing death by dangerous driving or careless driving is five years.However, the maximum for causing death by dangerous driving or careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs is 14 years.
The family of Mr Oakden, who had been out with friends at Gateacre Institute Club, paid tribute to him in a statement after his death. They said: “Andrew Oakden, known to us as Andy, was a beloved brother and uncle and until her death, a loving husband to Kathleen.“
Andy had a passion for playing bowls and line dancing, he loved animals including his two ginger cats, day trips, and holidays with his late wife.“ He was taken from us in tragic circumstances and will be sadly missed by us all and all that knew him. God bless.”
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