The carer, who has a young family, has been warned that prison ‘is by far the most likely outcome’
Victim Susan Whittles, 70(Image: Humberside Police)
A driver faces a lengthy prison sentence after he caused the death of a 70-year-old woman – and serious injuries to her husband – in a horrific crash by failing to give way at a crossroads junction on a country road. Susan Whittles, who was driving her car, died at the scene of the collision, despite the efforts of the emergency services. Her husband, William Whittles, was badly injured.
The other driver, Timothy Kusemi, was due to stand trial at Hull Crown Court but he changed his pleas on the day that a jury was due to begin hearing the case. Kusemi, 41, formerly of the Hull area, admitted causing the death of Mrs Whittles by dangerous driving and causing serious injury to Mr Whittles by dangerous driving.
The crash happened on the B1253 road, near Rudston, between Driffield and Bridlington, on November 24, 2023. Police said at the time that the collision happened at a crossroads junction of High Street and Burton Road, near Rudston.
Kusemi was driving a grey Audi A6 and the couple were in a red Volkswagen T-Roc. Police said that they were alerted to the crash at about 3pm. Emergency services were sent to the scene.
Only brief details of the case were given in court at this stage but prosecutor Jeremy Evans said of Kusemi: “He has gone through a ‘Give way’ sign at 50mph.” Kusemi should not have been driving in the first place because of previous issues.
“He should have stopped driving,” said Mr Evans. Kusemi did not do so, however. He had been working in care homes in the area and he came to this country to work on a sponsored scheme. He had no previous convictions.
Defence barrister Jessica Strange said that Kusemi pleaded guilty after listening to the advice that he had been given. “He appreciates that there has got to be a lengthy prison sentence,” said Miss Strange.
Kusemi was supported in court by his wife and they had a young family. He had been working full-time. Sentence was adjourned for Kusemi to be given the chance to provide references to the court.
“He is a regular churchgoer and attends church every Sunday,” said Miss Strange. References could be provided by members of that church if time were allowed for these to be gathered.
Kusemi, now of Lower Bedfords Road, Romford, east London, would “need to get his house in order” as far as his work and children were concerned. The case was adjourned and Kusemi was allowed to continue his conditional bail.
Judge John Thackray KC told Kusemi: “You must understand that all options are open, including immediate custody, which is, by far, the most likely outcome.” An interim driving disqualification is already in place.
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