A MOTORIST from Wirral who faced a charge of causing the death of a pensioner by careless driving has walked free from court.

It had been alleged that Gareth Thomas caused the death of 86-year-old Noble Arthur Dane by driving his car carelessly while speeding on Cleveland Street, Birkenhead.

Mr Dane died in hospital four days after the accident which occurred at 8 am on December 7, 2009 when his car was struck by Mr Thomas' car as Mr Dane was turning right into Lord Street front of him.

Mr Thomas, 29, denied the offence and had been due to face trial yesterday but after listening to legal arguments a judge ruled that their was no "causal link" that a jury could properly be asked to consider.

It was argued that the tragedy would have occurred even if Mr Thomas had not allegedly been speeding.

The case was adjourned and today the prosecution said that they were not challenging that view and after no evidence was offered a not guilty verdict was recorded.

But before Mr Thomas, of Bedford Avenue, Birkenhead, was discharged from the dock Judge Stephen Clarke said, "The last 18 months has been a traumatic time for Mr Thomas.

"I hope it has been an appalling lesson he has learnt and I am sure it will be with him for the rest of his life.

"The court expresses condolences to the family of the deceased. They may or may not understand the decision as sometimes one has to make decisions which are hard to make and obviously their loss is the greatest.

"Everyone is totally irreplaceable to their family. I only hope now at least some sort of line can be drawn, although a line can never be drawn under those you have loved.

"I hope they understand it is not something I do lightly".