A DRIVER who struck and killed a jogger after falling asleep at the wheel has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.
Aimi McCaffery, a 46-year-old mother-of two, died at the scene of the collision in Cropwell Butler, Nottinghamshire on the morning of Sunday, May 15, 2022.
Glen Widdowson, 48, was returning home from a night shift when he veered onto the wrong side of the road, struck a kerb and hit Mrs McCaffery from behind.
"This was an utterly tragic incident that robbed a family of a loving mother, wife and friend," said Detective Constable Christopher Taylor of Nottinghamshire Police.
"Aimi did everything right on that dreadful morning and was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time as Widdowson drove home from work."
Guilty plea
Mrs McCaffery, described by her family as 'a wonderful mother, daughter and loving friend', was jogging on the correct side of the road and facing the oncoming traffic when she was hit.
Moments before the collision, Widdowson — who was returning from a shift as a night manager at a hotel — was caught on CCTV veering towards the wrong side of the carriageway.
He then failed to negotiate a slight left-hand bend in the road, mounted a kerb with two wheels and struck Mrs McCaffery at around 50mph.
Forensic collision investigators later concluded that he had made no effort to brake prior to the collision.
With no defects noted with the vehicle and no alternative explanation from Widdowson, it was concluded he must have fallen asleep at the wheel.
Police said Mrs McCaffrey was 'in the wrong place at the wrong time' (Image: Nottinghamshire Police)Several passing motorists stopped and attempted to resuscitate Mrs McCaffery, but nothing could be done to save her life.
Widdowson, who was taking his usual route home through country lanes, was not speeding and remained at the scene of the collision.
Investigators also discovered that he had been diagnosed with sleep apnoea in 2016 — a condition that disrupts sleep and adds to fatigue.
Although he said he couldn't be sure what happened, Widdowson later pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving on the basis that he fell asleep at the wheel.
At Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday, Widdowson, of Addington Court, Radcliffe on Trent, was jailed for three years and six months.
He was also banned from driving for four years and nine months.
Police said the sentence reflected Widdowson's earlier guilty plea and his previous good character.
'Devastating'
"As he begins a significant jail sentence, I sincerely hope that other drivers will take note of the potential consequences of falling asleep at the wheel,” said DC Taylor.
"The act of falling asleep is always considered to be dangerous rather than careless driving and will consequently lead to far more serious sanctions in cases when people lose their lives.
"So, I urge anyone who feels tired behind the wheel pay attention to how they feel, pull over and take an appropriate break.
"As this case demonstrates, the consequences of not doing this can be devastating.
"Her loss has been felt by her family and across her network of friends, and colleagues in the community charity she ran.
"Please remember Aimi and do not push yourself to drive any further when you feel tired."
