A pensioner accused of driving despite his poor eyesight is alleged to have killed a 34-year-old council worker in a car crash.
Wayne Metcalfe is facing the charges following the death of Brighton man Jacek ‘Jack’ Sawa on August 28 last year.
Mr Sawa, who worked for Cityclean at Brighton and Hove City Council, was riding his motorcycle eastbound along Davigdor Road in Hove when the accident happened.
Mr Sawa was thrown from his bike and despite the efforts of paramedics died at the scene.
After his death scores of people paid tribute to him, describing him as a “friendly and lovely guy”.
His boss at Cityclean, Mick Sutton, said he was “a popular member of staff who will always be remembered for his gentle, kind nature”.
Now Metcalfe, 69, of Bannings Vale, Saltdean, has been charged with causing Mr Sawa’s death by careless driving.
He has also been charged with driving a motor vehicle on a road with eyesight which did not comply with requirements – seeing a number plate 20.5 metres away.
Both these charges date from the day of the crash.
Metcalfe appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on May 9.
He did not enter pleas to either counts and the case was committed to Lewes CrownCourt on June 7.
He is on unconditional bail.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article