Much-loved Devon carer killed by U-turn driver

A much-loved Paignton carer has died after being hit by the driver of a pick-up truck who made a U-turn when he realized he had left something at home. Joseph Duff had been riding his scooter on his way home from a night shift at the care home where he worked and was traveling along the A385 Totnes Road at Tweenaway Cross at around 8.15am on Saturday 9 April 2022 , when it collided with a Nissan Navara.

An inquest at Exeter Coroner’s Court today, May 24, heard that the 56-year-old, from Paignton, died at the scene after suffering fatal injuries. The driver of the van, Philip Rowe, later pleaded guilty at Newton Abbot Magistrates Court to causing Mr Duff’s death by driving without due care and attention.

He received a custodial sentence of 20 weeks, which was suspended for 12 months due to the prospect of rehabilitation. He was also disqualified from driving for 15 months and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

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MPC Sarah Harvey told the inquest the collision happened just after a set of traffic lights at Tweenaway Cross – the main road between Totnes and Paignton. She said Mr Rowe was traveling in the direction of Totnes in lane one of the carriageway when he said he switched on his indicator and checked his mirror and over his shoulder before making a U-turn as “traffic was light”.

While performing the manoeuvre, he recalled a strong and sudden impact and said he had not previously seen a scooter traveling in the second lane and was unaware of the no U-turn signs.

MPC Harvey said: “The driver of the Nissan stated that he had just gone through the intersection and realized he had left something at home and decided to go back.”

The inquest heard that following the collision Mr Duff was initially conscious and talking but his breathing deteriorated and he died shortly afterwards despite the best efforts of ambulance crews. The cause of his death was a significant chest injury.

MPC Harvey added Mr Rowe was “extremely remorseful” for what happened and wrote a letter to his partner, Donna Baxter.

In an emotional statement, she told how they had been together for almost 36 years and had a daughter together. She described her loss as “devastating”.

She recalled how she waited for him to return home, but instead the police arrived at the door.

Miss Baxter said: “They gave me the worst news I’ve ever had. I feel so angry that the accident was just around the corner from our house.”

She added: “He was my world and would do anything for me and I love him.”

She continued: “I’m angry and upset that I didn’t get the chance to go to Joe when he needed me. me and my family so much, not just that day; it still hurts now.”

Furious at losing Mr Duff, who was born in Birmingham, in what she described as a “needless road traffic collision”, she said: “Why couldn’t he (Mr Rowe) have come back elsewhere? Why did he have to make a U-turn where he did?

“That decision cost Joe his life and gave me a life sentence as I now have to live my life without Joe. I miss him so much.”

Recording the conclusion of the road traffic collision, Assistant Coroner Deborah Archer described Mr Duff’s death as a “absolute tragedy’. She said: “I echo Miss Baxter’s words that he (Mr Rowe) served his sentence and came through, but Miss Baxter effectively received a life sentence for her actions that day.

“While I’m sure he regrets it, he will never be able to bring Mr. Duff back. The loss of a caring husband and carer must be an absolutely devastating experience for Miss Baxter and her family.”