Lorry driver 'did not see elderly pedestrian'
A CORONER is to write to the Roads Service after an elderly pedestrian died trying to cross a busy junction.
John Basil Stinson, aged 76, was trying to cross Barrack Street in Armagh when he was struck by a lorry on December 16 last year. He died of multiple injuries to his head and body.
Coroner Joanne Donnelly heard that Mr Stinson had been socialising in the Victoria Bar in Barrack Street when he decided to return to his Woodford Place home in Armagh just after 4.30pm.
His nephew, Stephen Stinson, said his uncle had been in good form in the pub and "having a carry on". When he was ready to leave, Stephen said he asked his uncle if he wanted help home and stood outside as he walked toward the traffic lights.
A Scania lorry, driven by Jason Conly, had been driving toward traffic lights on Barrack Street.
A visibly upset Mr Conly told the court he did not see Mr Stinson as he tried to manoeuvre widely to negotiate the bend towards Mall West.
Another witness, Hugh Carroll said he had just finished work when he saw Mr Stinson crossing the road. He also saw the lorry and said he knew there would be an accident.
"I saw the old man sliding under the wheel," he said.
Keith Leyburn said he had been driving his jeep when he spotted the lorry driving very slowly and taking a wide swing to get round the corner. Of Mr Stinson, he said: "He just stepped off the kerb to walk across the road. He gave me the impression of a man who had a few drinks."
He added: "The man appeared to hit the lorry on the passenger's side."
Mr Conly said he had been trying to negotiate the left-hand turn after the lights turned green.
"I did not see Mr Stinson at any stage."
Visibly upset, Mr Conly said: "I feel there is nothing I could have done."
Damien Coll, of the Forensic Science Laboratory, explained that there are two blind spots on this type of Scania lorry and that it is "possible and probable" that the driver did not see the pedestrian.
When questioned by the deceased's brother, Alex Stinson, about how dangerous this junction was, Mr Coll said it was "reasonably typical" - however, he added that it would "do no harm" to have it investigated further.
The coroner said she was satisfied that it was not possible for the driver to take evasive action.
She said that while the concentration of alcohol in Mr Stinson's body was moderately low, it may have caused a loss of judgment.
Mrs Donnelly said she would write to the Department of Regional Development's Road Service as there are still concerns about this junction.
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