A DRIVER has been cleared of killing a pensioner after the prosecution offered no evidence at the start of his trial.

Gerald Hobbs, aged 69, was acquitted of causing the death of 79-year-old pedestrian Alan James by careless driving in Pontnewydd, Cwmbran, on December 4, 2017.

A jury was sworn in at Cardiff Crown Court but prosecutor Lucy Crowther told them there was “no longer a realistic prospect of a conviction against the defendant and we offer no evidence against him”.

They heard road collision experts concluded that Mr Hobbs had reacted and tried to break when he saw Mr James and his wife crossing Station Road.

The court heard that he had 2.1 seconds to respond before colliding with him while driving within the 30mph speed limit in his Hyundai Santa Fe.

Judge David Wynn Morgan told the jury that Mr Hobbs was travelling towards Croesyceiliog with his son in the passenger seat when they hit Mr James.

There had been a Mini driving in the opposite direction at the time of the tragedy.

Judge Morgan said: “Mr James was struck and he and his wife were thrown to the ground … as a result of his injuries, he sadly died shortly afterwards.

“Mrs James, fortunately, has made a good recovery.”

The judge sent his condolences to her and her family.

He directed the jury to find Mr Hobbs, of Church Road, Pontnewydd, not guilty of causing death by careless driving.

Judge Morgan told the defendant, who has no convictions, that it was evident that he “deeply regretted” the death of Mr James.

He added: “You now know that you have no criminal liability in this matter. You were confronted with a situation in which you had next to no control over.

“You are discharged and able to leave the dock.”

Mr Hobbs thanked him as he left court.