Overview
- Callan Howitt, who pleaded guilty Friday at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court, received an eight-month prison term suspended for 18 months, a 12-month driving ban, and 80 hours of unpaid work.
- Police said Howitt’s attention was briefly pulled to his left as he drove along Exeter Street in November 2024 and he struck 71-year-old Stuart Withers beside a parked van with its hazard lights on.
- Prosecutors told the court he was traveling about 27 mph and braked roughly 0.3 seconds before impact, while another report put the braking at about 0.7 seconds.
- There was no evidence of drink or drug use or mobile phone use, and the first-time offender admitted responsibility and showed remorse.
- Family statements described deep, ongoing grief, and a collision investigator said the case shows how a momentary lapse can lead to irreversible loss.