Heartbroken family says crash ‘cancelled’ future with devoted North Yorkshire granddad, Ian Morris, 71.
Ian, 71, was from Bedale, North Yorkshire. Sophie Waugh crashed into his bike on June 28, 2023. It happened near Thirsk on the A6055.
Judge Tim Stead jailed Waugh for six years, eight months. This happened at Teesside Crown Court. Waugh used to live in South Shields and now lives in Redcar.
Ian’s wife and sons shared heartbreaking words about their loss. Pauline said the crash was “catastrophic” for all. She feels her “future had been cancelled.” Paul Abraham read their statements in court. Pauline said Ian was her husband for almost 50 years.
He was a father, grandfather, and close friend. His death brought great loss. Writing the statement was very emotional for them and brought back memories of June 28, 2023. The family now measures life by what they’ll never do again.
Family walks and holidays will never happen with him. They will miss birthdays and graduations. Pauline said not knowing accident details was hard. They looked for closure for seventeen months. Life is on hold, waiting for truth and explanations to understand.
The family still finds ways to live without him. They hold tight to memories and speak of him often. Pauline said her husband meant everything to her. They had 48 happy years together, and she said he was her “everything.”
He was kind, polite, fun, and generous. He loved his sons and was proud of them. He loved his daughters-in-law and adored his four grandkids.
Pauline focused on the future they have lost. They planned to visit Pebble Beach to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. She felt things changed into her name alone and plans got cancelled. This made her feel her future got cancelled too.
She said Ian’s death felt unreal at first. She felt she was being tested to live alone, but knew he would never come back. Still she hopes he walks back through the door. She had not biked since. She knows Ian wants them to live life fully.
Jon said his father’s death was an ongoing nightmare. He described it as constant pit in his stomach. He said his father loved life, and the loss impacts many. Family holidays will never be the same.
No more golf or laughs at barbecues. He misses the everyday moments most. Both sons said telling their children was hard, explaining grandpa wouldn’t come home. Tim said his dad grew up with no family, so he wanted a big, loving family so much. He finally lived that dream, but they were all robbed of this too early.
Detective Constable Cleary said this should be a wake-up call. People should not use phones while driving she feels. Waugh said she did not see Ian, and said he swerved. Witnesses said Ian rode normally and wore bright fluorescent green, with a red light.
They said Waugh’s car veered into him. Waugh admitted causing death by dangerous driving and admits using the phone, police said. Detective Constable Cleary said a phone is of the “fatal five.” This leads to collisions she stated firmly and this case shows horrific consequences.
It’s a wake-up call to not use phones when driving. Their thoughts are with Ian’s family as they face this tragedy.
