A man whose careless driving led to the death of a great-grandfather has avoided an immediate prison sentence. 

Raymond Hull was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today after admitting a charge of causing the death by careless driving of Leslie Todd at a crown court hearing last month. 

Raymond Hull, 64, was charged with the offence after a crash on London Road on October 18, 2018, close to the Harraby Inn.

The crash involved a white Mercedes Sprinter van, driven by Hull, and a Nissan Micra which was being driven by 90-year-old Leslie Todd.

Mr Todd was pronounced dead at the scene after attempts to save his life proved unsuccessful. 

Judge Andrew Jefferies QC sentenced Hull to nine months in prison, suspended for two years. 

He also ordered Hull to serve a nine-month curfew, requiring him to remain at his home address during the hours of 7pm and 5am daily.

Hull, of Springkell, Aspatria, initially denied the allegation he faced. He was also disqualified from driving for three years and must complete an extended retest. 

Judge Jefferies said the only reason he didn't send Hull to prison at today's hearing was because of the potential impact on his children. 

Sergeant Claire Sampson of Cumbria Police said: “It was clear from the evidence put before the court that Hull was driving at a speed considerably above the limit prior to the collision.

“As a result, the time he had to react to any prevailing incident was drastically reduced, it is clear from our investigation, had Hull driven at the speed limit, this collision would never have occurred.

“Whilst I am certain he did not set out to cause injury to other road users that day, his driving was careless and resulted in the death of Mr Leslie Todd.

“The thoughts of everyone at Cumbria Constabulary are with Mr Todd’s family and friends.”