Man who caused A4 Wiltshire crash ‘distracted by wildlife’

Jody New, of Harbour Close in Moredon, Swindon, was driving his work van along the A4 at West Overton on Thursday, September 28 last year when his careless driving caused him to go into the back of a stationary Audi, which propelled another car forwards.

"The incident happened at around 8am and Mrs Clark, who was in the front vehicle, was stationary and indicating to turn right off the A4 towards St Michael & All Angels Church when she was propelled forward into the road," explained prosecutor Keith Ballinger.

"Mr New's van struck an Audi which pushed that car into Mrs Clark's vehicle which was waiting at the junction."

New, a father of one, was arrested at the scene and charged with careless driving.

The crash took place on the A4 at West Overton after one car had indicated to turn right and stopped to wait for a break in the traffic. (Image: Google Maps)

Representing himself at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, May 1 he pleaded guilty to the offence. 

He said: “I was driving in the road and I was distracted by wildlife so I swerved and then got my bearings together.

"Then when I looked ahead and saw the stationary car I put my brakes on but it was too late.

"I was driving a dodgy van from work and I've now lost my job and I'm unemployed. I have a lot of people dependent on me."

The court heard that the 46-year-old already has nine points on his driving licence, six of which were from another offence of careless driving in 2022.

Jody New told the court he needed his driving license to take care of his mother and son. (Image: Jody New)

The court heard that he relies on his licence for personal reasons and any further points would result in him being disqualified from driving.

Chair of the Magistrate's Bench, Alex Smith, told the defendant that in any other circumstance, he would be fined and given points on his licence which would result in the disqualification. 

"But given the circumstances, New has been given the opportunity to apply for exceptional hardship.

"We won't disqualify you straight away, and we will give you four weeks to gather sufficient evidence" she said.

New's case has now been adjourned until Thursday, May 30, where the court will debate whether his circumstances are enough for him to avoid disqualification.