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A reckless driver who struck a much-loved milkman following a brief lapse in attention has escaped prison.

Callan Howitt, 30, didn’t realize he had collided with Stuart Withers, 71, until he exited his vehicle on November 22, 2024, in the Salisbury city center.

Mr. Withers was in the process of delivering milk to the neighborhood when he stopped by the roadside, partially on the sidewalk, to deliver a package to a specific location, as reported in court.

He activated his emergency flashers beneath the dim lighting around 6 a.m. to ensure he was easily seen.

Howitt noticed Mr. Withers’ van and reduced his speed from 30 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour.

However, as he neared the car, he was briefly distracted by something visible through his left window—applying the brakes approximately 0.7 seconds prior to the collision.

Howitt noticed that Mr. Withers was injured after leaving his car and called for emergency services — however, the milkman succumbed to ‘severe blood loss’.

He subsequently informed the police that it was his own responsibility for becoming distracted and acknowledged that he was responsible for the death due to reckless driving.

At the Salisbury Magistrates’ Court today, Howitt escaped prison and received a suspended sentence.

Mr. Withers came from a tightly bonded family and managed the 90-year-old family-owned dairy business in the city.

He was also an enthusiastic collector and seller of antiques – appearing in an episode of Bargain Hunt this year, which was devoted to him following his death.

His family characterized him as extremely generous, often reducing the price of antiques before others had a chance to negotiate.

Honoring him, his wife Maureen Withers, 70, stated: ‘I miss my amazing husband every single day, and I don’t know how I’ll manage to live without him.’

I was never given the opportunity to say farewell to my best friend and soulmate, and I don’t believe I’ll ever be able to accept that.

There will always be a sorrow in my heart, and I will long for him until the end of my life.

The milkman also held a prominent position in local football, serving as manager and later chairman of Shrewton United, as well as Vice-Chairman of the Wiltshire Senior League.

At the court proceedings today, Howitt was referred to as a ‘family man’ with his partner Jessica pregnant with their child.

However, Bridget Withers, Mr. Withers’ daughter, described how her family’s lives had been “torn apart” by his death and expressed regret that it “could have so easily been prevented.”

She stated, “The realization that it could have been effortlessly prevented is deeply distressing. It altered and destroyed my life permanently. I can no longer embrace my father, talk to him, or share my life with him.”

We won’t celebrate any more birthdays or Christmases together. I used to feel very happy and fortunate. He’s my hero and will always be. I’m proud to refer to him as my father.

He was merely attempting to deliver milk and supplies to a community that cherished him. He did everything correctly that morning. He had parked his vehicle on the sidewalk and activated his hazard lights.

I’ll never fully understand what occurred when he left his van. It could have been easily prevented. If this hadn’t taken place, he would have remained here for another 20 years.

He was the person I could always confide in. He would put everything aside to be there for you.

He had a passion for vintage items and set up a booth at neighborhood fairs. His generosity was such that he would lower prices before customers even attempted to negotiate.

He was familiar with the individuals on Bargain Hunt and even appeared in an episode that aired earlier this year. Viewing it was one of the most challenging experiences I’ve had to go through.

I’ve been taking antidepressants just to get through each day since he died. Our lives have been completely shattered and will never be the same again.

She also explained to the court how challenging Maureen, Mr. Withers’ wife, had found his passing—mentioning that she had also been given antidepressants.

In a statement delivered to the court, Mr. Withers’ son Peter mentioned that he felt as though he had been “living in an alternate reality since his father passed away.”

Peter said: “He was my father, my closest friend, and my business partner. I can’t continue with the business without him.”

I am experiencing unbearable pain and have had to seek therapy that I never anticipated needing.

When sentencing the driver, Judge Henry Gordon said to Howitt: ‘There is no question that a tragedy has brought you here today. You are accused of causing a death through careless driving.’

It was just after 6am when [you attacked] your victim, a well-liked family man who provided milk to the Salisbury community.

He had left his van running with the hazard lights on.

You noticed the van along the path you took to view the Christmas decorations.

As you are driving, you become distracted. We will never find out what it was.

You crashed into Mr. Withers and exited your vehicle. It was only afterward that you realized you had hit him. You summoned an ambulance, but he succumbed to severe blood loss.

You were not using your mobile device at that moment, were driving below the speed limit, and were not under the influence.

Judge Gordon said: ‘This will stay with you for the rest of your life.’

You will soon become a father. It is clear that you are a committed employee and a caring partner. You have no prior convictions and a clean driving record.

While I believe you experienced a short but unnecessary interruption, I don’t think this is a clear example of that.

You had a generally good driving history, stopped to assist your victim, and show regret.

Howitt received an eight-month prison term, which was put on hold for 18 months, required to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work, and faced a 12-month driving ban.

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