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'Now there's just silence' - family of crash victim

Family handout Tom Sturgess with very short brown hair embracing a young girl and boy in a houseFamily handout
A statement released by Mr Sturgess's family said he "loved his children immensely"

A family has paid tribute to a "devoted" father killed when he was hit by a pick-up truck while he was unloading a lorry.

Tom Sturgess, 33, died in January 2022 in Glaptorn Road in Oundle, Northamptonshire.

Emily Saunders, 28, who was driving a Ford Ranger, has been given a suspended prison sentence and banned from driving.

Mr Sturgess's mother said he was "taken far too soon".

The crash happened on the morning of 5 January 2022, while Mr Sturgess, from Desborough, Northamptonshire, was taking scaffolding poles from a lorry.

Northamptonshire Police said he died at the scene.

Saunders, of Main Street, in Upper Benefield, Northamptonshire, was convicted after a trial at Northampton Crown Court of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

On 26 April, she returned to the same court to be given a six-month sentence, suspended for two years, and banned from driving for three years with a requirement to take an extended test before getting her licence back.

Family handout Tom Sturgess with short brown hair with a pint in one hand and a dog in the otherFamily handout
Mr Sturgess was remembered as "fun and silly" by his children

A statement released on behalf of Mr Sturgess's two children, aged eight and 10, said: "They love their dad immensely, loved spending time with him at weekends and loved how fun and silly he was. They used to run through the door with laughter and smiles after a fun weekend, now it's just silence."

Family handout A woman with long blond hair holds a baby Family handout
Mr Sturgess's mother said her "heart was filled with joy" when he was born

Mr Sturgess's mother wrote: "The very day you came into this world, my heart was filled with love and joy. I held you in my arms and couldn't believe you were my beautiful boy!

“You were taken far too soon in a time when you had so many hopes and dreams to achieve. You will remain in my heart forever until we meet again."

His partner said: "I have not only lost my partner, but I have also lost my best friend, my family, my future, and my support. Tom was my rock.

“The result at Northampton Crown Court won't bring him back, but we do feel like we have some justice for Tom."

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