"It brings us a little peace knowing someone was with him": Sister of Peterborough dad killed by banned motorist thanks taxi driver who tried to save his life

The sister of a Peterborough dad who was killed by a disqualified driver in the city has paid an emotional tribute to the taxi driver who tried to save his life – labelling him as a ‘hero’.

Karl Bradshaw was a pedestrian who was killed when he was struck by the car driven by Stuart Nichols in October 2022.

Mr Bradshaw had fallen into the road close to the Deaf Blind Centre and a taxi dropping people off at the centre drove round him and stopped nearby to assist.

Nichols turned into Paston Ridings from Hallfields Lane before going round the taxi and hitting Mr Bradshaw on the wrong side of the road.

The taxi driver and other passers by came to try and help Mr Bradshaw, giving CPR and keeping other motorists clear from the scene.

Sadly, despite their best attempts, Mr Bradshaw was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nichols, who at the time of the tragic incident was disqualified from driving for previously having no insurance, drove off, but his car was identified by witnesses.

This week Nichols (46) of Empsons Farm, Postland, Crowland, was jailed for four years and four months having pleaded guilty to causing death by driving whilst disqualified at an earlier hearing.

He was also banned from driving for seven years.

Following the sentencing hearing, Sarah Bradshaw, Karl’s sister, described the taxi driver as a ‘hero’, and said his actions had brought some peace for Karl’s loved ones.

She said: “To the taxi driver who helped that night, I now reach out to you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for staying with Karl, for trying everything you could to save his life. So sorry you had to witness such a thing, but I'm thankful it was you. You are a hero in our eyes and it brings us a little peace knowing someone was with him. I really can't thank you enough.”

She also paid a special tribute to her brother, who had made a huge difference to many people. She said: “For my brother Karl who was taken to soon leaving behind two daughters, three sisters a brother and mother and who was uncle to many. I must also mention close ties to the Sikh community - who were his wider family.

"We all miss you dearly Karl, taken mindlessly from us. You were happy go lucky, hard working and do anything for anyone. Humble to the core, never moaning about anything and always trying to make those around you happy. You always had my back when needed- night or day and the same for anyone else. I love you bro, may you rest in peace.”

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Craig Wheeler said: “Stuart Nichols should never have been on the road that day and showed a complete disregard for the law.

“Through his poor driving, he caused the death of Mr Bradshaw who was innocently going about his business and callously left the scene. He gave no thought to the catastrophic consequences of his actions by leaving Mr Bradshaw alone in the road with un-survivable injuries.

“I hope the sentencing provides Mr Bradshaw’s family with some justice and closure.”