John Marson, a 79-year-old beloved member of his community, was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident on November 4 in Kings Heath, Birmingham. The driver responsible, Tyrone Clarke, who was behind the wheel of a stolen Toyota, fled the scene and later fell asleep in a taxi.
Paul Marson, John’s nephew, described his uncle as a quiet and gentle man who gave generously to those around him. His sudden loss has left a deep impact on family and community alike.
Tyrone Clarke, a 51-year-old career offender with 94 previous convictions, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court to six years and nine months in prison after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, causing death while uninsured, and handling stolen goods. Clarke, from Evesham, was driving the stolen vehicle on cloned plates when the fatal collision occurred on a rainy, dark night.
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The court heard that Clarke was traveling at approximately 45mph in a 30mph zone when he struck Mr. Marson, who was crossing the road under an umbrella. The force of the impact threw Mr. Marson onto the car’s bonnet and roof before he landed partly on the pavement. Despite efforts from an off-duty paramedic and doctor at the scene, Mr. Marson died instantly from multiple severe injuries, including fractures to his legs, spine, ribs, and devastating trauma to his head and chest.
Clarke abandoned the damaged Toyota nearby and initially walked back towards the crash site. However, seeing emergency services, he turned around, went to a nearby supermarket, and called a taxi claiming his belongings had been stolen. The taxi driver noticed Clarke appeared tense but he soon fell asleep during the journey home.
Police linked Clarke to the stolen Toyota through fingerprint and DNA evidence, supported by CCTV footage tracing his movements. Upon arrest, Clarke questioned the charge of death by dangerous driving.
During sentencing, Clarke’s lawyer cited neurodivergency and addiction issues, along with personal struggles at the time of the incident, but acknowledged these did not excuse his actions.
Judge Roderick Henderson underscored the irreversible tragedy, expressing sympathy for Mr. Marson’s family while acknowledging differing opinions on the sentence’s severity. Clarke is banned from driving for seven years following his release.