DPD delivery driver who hit and killed Leigh woman jailed

Marion-Dragos Pirvu, 35, was working as a delivery driver for DPD when he hit Olivia Chesney, 74, in Highlands Boulevard and knocked her unconscious briefly. 

However, in the following days her symptoms worsened and she was placed in an induced coma. 

She passed away on October 29, 2021, three days after being hit by the van on October 26. 

Pirvu was charged with causing death by careless driving and was jailed yesterday at Basildon Crown Court for seven months. 

A victim impact statement from Mrs Chesney’s daughter Stephanie was summarised in court by Her Honour Judge Samantha Cohen.

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In the statement, Stephanie set out the “profound loss” she suffered which she describes as “having hit her like an avalanche”.

Sam Thomas, prosecuting, said: “It is accepted the defendant was not going at speed and we say Mr Pirvu has accepted he was not concentrating at the time.

“However, forensic investigators concluded Mrs Chesney would have been visible leading up to her crossing and when she was on the road.

“In his basis of plea Mr Pirvu stated the collision was caused by a ‘momentary lapse of concentration’.”

The court heard Mrs Chesney was in the road for approximately three and a half seconds and Pirvu braked hard, evidenced by the skid marks on the road examined by road forensics.

Vishal Misra, mitigating for Pirvu, said: “Mr Pirvu has demonstrated a significant degree of remorse and deep regret for what can only be described as a true tragedy.

“All witnesses accept Mr Pirvu made efforts to assist or seek assistance for Mrs Chesney and did so upon becoming aware of what happened.”

Judge Cohen handed Pirvu, of no fixed abode, a seven-month prison sentence and a three year driving disqualification.

He is required to take an extended test upon his release.