'My wife's death should act as warning to drivers'

4 hours ago

News image — Retired NHS worker Pat Marshall was "outgoing and caring", her family said

Family handout Pat Marshall, who is standing at the coast with her bicycle, is wearing a blue helmet, glasses and a pink top. She is looking at the camera and smiling slightly. — Retired NHS worker Pat Marshall was "outgoing and caring", her family said

Luke WaltonNorth East and Cumbria correspondent

A pensioner whose wife died after she was knocked off her bicycle has asked motorists to take care around vulnerable road users.

Reg and Pat Marshall, from Esh Winning, County Durham, were on a cycling holiday in Angus, Scotland, when a car heading in the opposite direction lost control and veered across the road in June 2023, knocking Pat Marshall off her bike.

Reg Marshall, 79, said his wife, a retired NHS care worker and great-grandmother, was a well-loved woman who was "outgoing and caring" and missed greatly.

He said the tragedy highlighted the need for drivers to pay attention to the road, adding: "It doesn't take much of a mistake to make a disaster."

"It's something we will all carry with us for the rest of our lives," Marshall said.

The couple, who had been married for 57 years, were experienced cyclists and had toured Britain and Europe over many decades.

Supplied Reg and Pat Marshall in their younger years are on a high street and standing on either side of a bicycle which is piled high with bags. They are both wearing blue cycling tops and black bottoms. Reg, on the left, has short brown hair. Pat has curly, short dark hair. They are both smiling at the camera. — Reg and Pat Marshall were married for 57 years

Marshall said motorists needed to be aware that cyclists, horse-riders and pedestrians were "really vulnerable" on the roads.

Last month, university student Aly Albosati, 27, admitted causing Pat Marshall's death by careless driving.

He was ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work, placed under supervision for a year and handed a 20-month driving ban.

Reg Marshall is standing in a living room and looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression on his face. He has short grey hair and a beard. He is wearing glasses and a black fleece. — Reg Marshall said the tragedy highlighted the need for drivers to pay attention to the road

Dundee Sheriff Court heard Albosati had passed his driving test only a month before the accident.

His car was on the rural B965 road during daylight hours when he misjudged a bend, mounted a grass verge before the car spun across the carriageway, colliding with the two cyclists.

'Wrong message'

Solicitor Billie Rennie, defending, said Albosati was "horrified and appalled that his actions caused such a tragic outcome".

He continued: "The outcome of this has been weighing heavily upon him.

"He accepts it probably occurred because he was driving too fast for the road, however, he was within the speed limit."

Sheriff Ralph said he had considered mitigating factors when sentencing including the defendant's "appropriate actions" to assist at the scene", expressions of remorse, acceptance of responsibility and the effect on his mental health.

But Marshall believed the defendant was treated too leniently.

He said the lack of a custodial sentence "sends a wrong message out to young drivers".

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