AN INEXPERIENCED driver who killed one man and seriously injured two others in a crash on the A35 was spared jail as a court heard how a widow 'can't forgive him' for her husband's death.

Benjamin Edwards, of Loders, Bridport was sentenced for causing death by driving without due care and attention at Bournemouth Crown Court. 

He was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Edwards, 23, had pleaded guilty to the charge which related to a head on collision on the A35 between Bridport and Dorchester on October 13, 2014. 
Simon Edwards, prosecuting, told the court how shortly after 8am on the day in question, the defendant was driving on the road towards Dorchester. 

The court heard a statement from an eyewitness who said that Edwards' blue Daihatsu gradually drifted over the centre white line and drove for a few seconds down the wrong side of the road. 

It was then involved in a head-on crash with a range rover driven by Nkululeko Nxusani, from Strelley in Nottinghamshire, known as Freeman to his friends and family, who was killed.

Two passengers and Edwards were also seriously injured in the crash. 

The prosecutor told the court that there was no evidence of Edwards being tired or falling asleep at the wheel or that he was under the influence of alcohol or using a mobile phone. 

Edwards did not remember what caused the crash, with an eyewitness reporting shortly afterwards that he said to them: "What did I do? I'm a new driver?"

The court heard a statement from Freeman's widow, Portia Nxusani, he also left behind a son. 
The statement said: "For a moment I thought I was having a nightmare and I would soon wake-up.

"We were both never going to see or hug him again. We were on our own. No-one will ever fill the emptiness he left. 

"The actions of Mr Edwards changed our lives forever. I don't think he will ever appreciate the impact of his actions on our life. I can't forgive him.

"Mr Edwards has not offered an apology for his actions. Even if he does apologise, Freeman is not coming back.

"We both cry, we both feel pain. There is nothing good that will ever come of Mr Edwards' actions."

Audrey Archer mitigating, said that Edwards offers his sincere apologies for the devastation that he has caused.

She said: "I can't put in to words how sorry the defendant is for the tragic loss that he has caused. 
"He desperately wishes that he had the power and ability to turn back the clock."

Judge Peter Crabtree. said that Edwards was an inexperienced driver but the road should not have proved difficult for him. 

He sentenced Edwards to 10 months in prison suspended for two years, as well as imposing a curfew and ordering him to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work.