A WIDOWER has launched a road safety campaign in memory of his late wife who died after being hit by a car in Leamington.
Retired schoolteacher Marlene Head was killed when dentist Samantha Kutty knocked her down after the driver cut a corner as mum-of-two Marlene was crossing Camberwell Terrace.
Although Kutty – who was on her way to work at nearby Leamington Dental Practice – was doing no more than 10mph at the time, 68-year-old Marlene was thrown onto the bonnet of the Mercedes before hitting her head as she landed in September 2018.
At Warwick Crown Court Kutty was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison suspended for two years after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving.
She was also ordered to do 120 hours of unpaid work and banned from driving for three years, after which she will have to take an extended test.
Devastated husband Tom Head rushed to the scene of the crash and was with his wife when she died in hospital after failing to regain consciousness.
He said his life has been turned upside down by her death, and to try and prevent more fatalities on the roads has launched a social media campaign called ‘Marlene’s Legacy’ backed by Warwickshire Police.
Tom told the Observer: “My wife truly was my world and my life has been left in ruins by her loss. Even after over 18 months have passed the tragedy of my wife’s unexpected loss still plays out daily.
“In an effort to retrieve something positive from my wife’s death I am embarking on a road safety campaign in my late wife’s name.
“The essence is to remind, or educate, road users to drive, cycle, ride or walk on public roads in accord with the Highway Code, thus improving road safety for all.”
Tom has launched a Facebook page which will feature articles on safety topics, with some already uploaded. Search Make Our Roads Safer on Facebook for more information.
Marlene taught for some 40 years in schools across the district
Her family said she had touched the lives of ‘innumerable children and families’ and was remembered with admiration, respect and affection.
Throughout her career Marlene taught at Kineton High, St Joseph ‘s Convent and Crackley Hall in Kenilworth.
