Man dies after being hit by car on busy road

Police are appealing for witnesses after the elderly man died in hospital



A man has died after he suffered fatal injuries when he was hit by a car in Wyken.

The elderly pedestrian died in hospital after he was hit at the junction of Sewall Highway and Sullivan Road at about 1.30pm on Thursday. The man’s name has not yet been released but his family have been informed.

Police are now appealing for witnesses having spoken to the 41-year-old driver at the scene, who is said to be “assisting the enquiry”.

Sgt Adam Green, from the Regional Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of the gentleman at this time. They will now be supported by specially trained Family Liaison Officers.

“Sewall Highway is a busy area and we have already spoken to witnesses, however, I would still urge anyone who may have witnessed what happened to get in touch.

“In particular I am keen for anyone who may have seen a silver coloured Vauxhall Zafira being driven before the collision from the direction of Hipswell Highway to get in touch.”

Traffic in the area was severely affected yesterday as the road was closed for around three hours as emergency services dealt with the injured man and began investigating what happened.

Anyone with information should contact the Collision Investigation Unit by calling on 101.

I grew up round there. It was always a nasty piece of road, I'm surprised that there haven't been more accidents over the years.

I grew up round there. It was always a nasty piece of road, I'm surprised that there haven't been more accidents over the years.

I live in Sullivan Road, it still is nasty at this junction. There was a 2 car RTC last week.

Man charged with death by dangerous driving after fatal collision in Coventry

A man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after a pedestrian died in a collison in Coventry.

Pensioner Leonard Steptoe, 73, died in hospital after being hit by a car in Sewall Highway, near Sullivan Road, Wyken, on April 28.

Roman Lasmanis, 41, of St Austell Road, Wyken, was charged with the offence on Sunday, October 16, after having twice been bailed during the police investigation.

The machine operator will appear at Coventry Magistrates Court on November 17.

Following Mr Steptoe’s death, his family paid tribute to him saying: “A much-loved dad, granddad, great-granddad and brother, also a friend to many, taken from us so tragically, is going to be missed greatly.

“We would like to express our many thanks for all the kind messages and support we have received.”

Took them long enough to make up their minds to charge him!

Man charged over death of Coventry pensioner to appear in court



A man charged over the death of a great-grandfather who died in a fatal crash in Coventry will appear in court today.

Pensioner Leonard Steptoe, 73, died in hospital after being hit by a car in Sewall Highway, near Sullivan Road, Wyken, on April 28.

Police charged Roman Lasmanis, 42, of St Austell Road, Wyken, with causing death by dangerous driving last month after having twice been bailed during the police investigation.

The machine operator will appear at Coventry Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Following Mr Steptoe’s death, his family paid tribute to him saying: “A much-loved dad, granddad, great-granddad and brother, also a friend to many, taken from us so tragically, is going to be missed greatly.

“We would like to express our many thanks for all the kind messages and support we have received.”

Speeding driver late for work killed great-grandad as he crossed the road



A speeding driver who killed a great-grandfather as he crossed a Coventry road has been jailed.

Romans Lasmanis, who was late for work, was doing 45mph in a 30mph zone when he hit 73-year-old Leonard Steptoe in Sewall Highway, Wyken, in April last year.

Mr Steptoe suffered multiple injuries and was taken to hospital where he later died.

The shocking moment was caught on Lasmanis’ own dashcam and played to Warwick Crown Court as he was sentenced.

The 42-year-old, of St Austell Road, Wyken, had pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was jailed for two years.

He was also banned from driving for four years.

Several members of Mr Steptoe’s family - including his children and grandchildren - were in court to see Lasmanis sent down.

Passing sentence, Judge Andrew Lockhart QC said: “This is a tragedy in every sense and no sentence that I can pass can be seen to be sufficient in a case like this.

“As you rounded that slight bend, [Mr Steptoe] stepped off the curb and began his travel across the road.

“Had you been travelling within the speed limit, then he would be with us today.”