Wembley driver jailed for killing former teacher of chef Heston Blumenthal in A40 crash
Kugannesan Balasubramaniam has been jailed (Pic credit: Central news) - Credit: central news
Classic car owners are being warned they could be driving a death trap after a former teacher of chef Heston Blumenthal was killed when his MG ‘folded like a penknife’ in a crash.
Heston Blumenthal (Pic credit: PA) - Credit: Archant
Nick Sennett, 58, had hired the MGB GT convertible for a pleasure run when he was hit from behind by short-sighted minicab driver Kugannesan Balasubramaniam, of Longley Avenue, Wembley.
Southwark Crown Court heard Balasubramaniam was speeding when he ploughed his Peugeot 5008 into the back of the 1963 car on the A40 Westway.
Today the 34-year-old was jailed for nine months following his conviction for causing Mr Sennett’s death by careless driving last month.
Sentencing him Judge Jeffrey Pegden QC said: “The harm you have caused cannot be overstated and no sentence passed upon you can ever reflect the catastrophic and devastating loss to Mr Sennett’s family.
“The deceased was a devoted, loving and loved husband, father at the centre of what might be described as an idyllic long-term family life.
“He had a great range of friends and colleagues, wide-ranging interests and was adored by those who were in some way a part of his life.”
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Mr Sennett, who taught economics at Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith, died at the scene on January 15 last year.
Older vehicles do not have crumple zones and even recent classics like Minis and Ford Capris will come off a lot worse in a collision with the latest models.
Ian Crowder from motoring origination the AA said: “These cars simply do not have the damage resistance of modern vehicles.
“Classic car owners and users really need to be aware of the risks when they take the road in a less resilient vehicle.
“This was obviously a terribly tragic episode for which a driver has been convicted and jailed.”
