A CARELESS driver walked free from court after leaving a beloved husband with devastating injuries which left him hospitalised for the rest of his life.

Michael Hicks, 83, was looking to cross Thorrington Road, in Great Bentley, to walk to the village green a short distance from his home.

As he crossed, he was struck by a Seat Ibiza driven by 25-year-old Joseph Abrehart-Briggs.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard the impact happened at around 6.45pm last November 22.

Mr Hicks, a former City stockbroker, was left with numerous injuries including a fractured skull, eye socket and neck.

Mr Hicks was first taken to Colchester Hospital and later Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, where he died in January.

The cause of death was found to be hypertensive heart disease.

In a victim impact statement, Mr Hicks’ wife of 19 years said dealing with the aftermath of his death had left her feeling “cheated, vulnerable and alone”.

“The stress and shock I have endured is beyond all measure,” she said.

“Firstly by opening the front door to see a sea of blue lights.

“Nothing prepared me for what I saw - his head smashed, pouring blood.”She added: “He was a strong, fit man who walked two large dogs daily, but he was now gradually being reduced to a vegetative state.

“Sadly Michael never recovered from his injuries, never ate, never drank and never walked.”

Recently-qualified accountant Abrehart-Briggs, of River Way, Great Blakenham, admitted driving without due care and attention.

Frank O’Toole, mitigating, said: “Mr Abrehart-Briggs wishes me to put on record his absolute remorse for this incident.

“Although his death was through natural causes, there were injuries which were very serious.”

Abrehart-Briggs was ordered to pay £257 in fines and court costs, while his licence was endorsed with six penalty points.