Father’s tearful apology over A21 crash

Robert Drew, 44, of Harbour Way, St Leonards, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention when he appeared at Hastings Magistrates Court last Thursday (July 21).

Mark Kateley, prosecuting, said: “This is an incident that happened on the A21 at Whatlington back on January 18 when Mr Drew’s silver Fiat veered across the white lines and collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle.

“The driver of the other vehicle had to be cut free and suffered a broken leg and Mr Drew’s vehicle caught fire.

“When interviewed he said he could not recall much about the collision.

“He has no previous convictions and a full clean licence.”

Drew, defending himself, told magistrates that he could not explain why his car had veered across the road.

He said: “This has been really difficult and I apologise whole-heartedly to those involved.

“I find it hard to comprehend this situation.

“I hold a full HGV licence, from driving in the Army, and pride myself on driving safely.

“I teach people with special needs and left work early that day as I felt really drained.

“The next thing I know I am waking up in hospital.

“I did not brake, I just don’t think I could have been awake or conscious at that moment.

“I know I veered to the wrong side of the road but I don’t know why.

“I broke my collarbone and was off work for six weeks.”

Drew wept as he said: “It has been a really bad year – I am not avoiding culpability, I just don’t remember.”

Magistrates told him: “This was very dangerous, you could have wiped out two people.”

He was fined £250 and had six penalty points added to his licence.