Much-loved Devon carer killed by driver doing U-turn

A much-loved Paignton carer died after being struck by the driver of a pick-up truck who suddenly did a U-turn when he realised he had forgotten something at home. Joseph Duff ^[1]had been riding his scooter on his way back home from doing a night shift at the care home where he worked and was travelling along the A385 Totnes^[2] Road at Tweenaway Cross, at around 8.15am on Saturday, April 9, 2022, when he collided with a Nissan Navara.

An inquest at Exeter^[3] Coroner’s Court today, May 24, heard the 56-year-old, of Paignton^[4], died at the scene after suffering fatal injuries. The driver of the pick-up truck, Philip Rowe, later pleaded guilty at Newton Abbot^[5] Magistrates Court to the death of Mr Duff by driving without due care and attention.

He was given a 20-week custodial sentence which was suspended for 12 months due to the prospect of rehabilitation. He was also disqualified from driving for 15 months and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.