A hit-and-run driver who left a former serviceman for dead while speeding has been sentenced to 20 months behind bars.

Basil Shale, 84, died five days after being struck by a white Vauxhall Astra in Lower Road, Hockley, just before 11am on August 5, 2016.

The car was being driven by Leonard Todd, of Rawreth Lane, Rawreth, who failed to stop and was seen to turn right into Hillcrest Avenue.

The grandfather-of-four was airlifted to the specialist head injuries unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, but he never recovered.

Detectives spent several months examining CCTV footage before charging Todd earlier this year.

The 24-year-old admitted causing death by driving without due care and attention, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident.

Todd, appearing at Basildon Crown Court yesterday, wore a blue suit, blue tie and white shirt, an appeared visibly distraught throughout the case, speaking only to confirm his name.

Lower Road has a 30mph speed limit, but crash scene investigators determined that Todd was driving between 39 and 42mph at the time of the collision.

Mr Shale was crossing the road to return home after being dropped at the petrol station, on Lower Road, by a taxi.

Braintree and Witham Times:

Prosecution Greg Unwin said: “It is clear from the findings that Mr Todd did see and react to Mr Shale but that would have been limited. Crash scene investigators deemed had that if the vehicle had been travelling at 30mph, Mr Shale would have had time to reach the central line and avoided the care.

“Had Mr Todd seen Shale at the same point he did, but travelling 30mph, he could have stopped and avoided impact.”

Todd pleaded guilty at the earliest possible stage, as well as handing himself into police the day after the crash.

Defence solicitor, Matthew Bong, said: “This clearly has had an impact on this man. He has been diagnosed as suffering post traumatic stress disorder since. He is very sorry and is guilty in every sense of the word. Had he not fled the scene, he would be facing a suspended sentence.

“He did not set out harm, but the worst harm possible has been caused, and he will have to live with his actions for the rest of his life.”

Todd was handed a 20 month prison sentence, of which he will serve half on license, as well a two year driving disqualification.

Judge Samantha Leigh said: “This case, as with all cases where people lose their lives, is tragic, for all of those concerns.

“For all of those left behind with questions, with feelings of hurt, and uncontrollable sadness.

“This court offers its condolences to the family of Mr , who have been dealt life sentences.

“Any sentence I impose today will not be long enough for some people, and too long for others.”