Family pay emotional tribute to Gaddesby father killed in road collision

Richard Nicholls died from his injuries in the incident, which happened on Rearsby Road at Gaddesby in July last year.

We reported earlier this week that Jamie Tarbert, of Glenfield, was sentenced on Monday to four-and-a-half-years in prison after admitting a charge of causing death by driving without due care and attention at a hearing at Leicester Crown Court.

Tarbert, who was later found to be under the influence of cocaine, when his Mercedes Sprinter van was in collision with Richard’s Skoda Yeti.

Both vehicles left the carriageway as a result of the impact and while Tarbert suffered only minor injuries, Richard was airlifted to hospital and died four days later.

Following the court hearing, Richard’s family have today (Thursday) released this statement: “Richard was a loving son, brother, husband, daddy, grandson and nephew.

“He tragically and senselessly lost his life in a collision through no fault of his own, leaving his wife Natalie and two young sons – Ralph and Arthur – who he adored.

“He was, at heart, a family man who wanted only the best for his young family and had many plans for the future.

“He cherished the time spent with his sons and was introducing his eldest son to fishing – a favourite pastime of his – the memories of which will always be cherished.”

The statement continues: “The enormity of Richard’s loss to the whole family is immense, but of course Richard has lost the most.

“Because of someone else’s actions, he will never be able to see his sons grow up and live the life he and his wife had planned.

“There isn’t a day goes by that we do not think of him.

“We’ve planted a tree in his memory and go there often.

“The boys leave messages for him and we take time to reflect.

“As well as this, a fishing match is held on his birthday for family and friends.”

The family add in their tribute: “No sentence can ever bring Richard back, but as he would have wished, we are all trying to move forward.

“We hope that reading this statement might just help prevent another death on the roads through the misuse of drugs or alcohol – and prevent another family going through the pain that we have endured.

“We’d like to thank everyone who supported us – and continues to support us – through this very difficult time.

“Richard will always be remembered, loved and missed.”