A YOUNG motorist has admitted causing the death of a Merchant Navy veteran through careless driving.
Thurlo Haile, 72, was knocked down and killed after he was struck by a Ford Fiesta in Springfield Road last June as he crossed the street to buy his morning paper.
The driver, 23-year-old engineer Lewis Snelgrove, of Woodhall Road, Chelmsford, was arrested at the scene.
This week he pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court.
The death of Mr Haile, of Oaklea Avenue, Chelmsford, close to the junction with Llewellyn Close, shortly before 8am on Friday, June 10, last year, sparked calls for urgent speed restrictions on the 30mph road.
The father-of-three was a popular face in the community and worked as the assistant churchwarden at All Saints.
He was married to Jean for nearly 50 years and was a member of the local Probus group – the association of retired and semi-retired men and women – and a former chairman of the board of governors at Bishop's Primary School in Beardsley Drive.
Mr Haile was born in Lytham St Annes, near Blackpool, but moved to Chelmsford during his thirties.
He had a very successful career in the Merchant Navy, where he served as commander.
By 1992 he had become Master of the Royal Navy Reserve League and later became its secretary.
He left the Merchant Navy to become a marine consultant in London until his retirement, when he began to take up several hobbies, including rambling.
Snelgrove has been released on court bail prior to his sentencing back at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, November 16.
