A driver has been spared jail after killing a 'loving' granddad in a collision - despite having a previous conviction for causing death by reckless driving.
Paul Jorgensen, of Middlewood Road, Poynton, hit Brian Greenwood while driving his gold Mercedes down London Road North, in Hazel Grove on October 27, 2019.
During a trial, Jorgensen claimed that Mr Greenwood appeared from nowhere while there was "nothing he could do" to stop the collision.
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But police argued that Jorgensen "failed to concentrate on the road".
It has now been revealed by CheshireLive that he has several driving convictions, including a previous one for death by reckless driving - he was on licence at the time of the incident.
Counsel said: "The previous convictions were referred to in open court. It was stated that he was on license at the time of the offence having been released from a 15 year sentence."
Jorgensen's previous conviction for causing death by reckless driving was in 1980 while he was also convicted and banned for drink-driving at Manchester Crown Court in the early 2000s.
He was also sentenced to 15 years for playing a role in a conspiracy to import £6.5 million worth of cocaine in November 2007.
Mr Greenwood's family feel that if Jorgensen served his full sentence he would have been unable hit the pedestrian and are 'appalled' by the 'apparent leniency' of the sentence.
A statement from the family said: "We are appalled and dismayed at the apparent leniency of this sentence.
"We learnt at the trial that Mr Jorgensen is well known to the law and has a history of driving offences spanning 42 years.
"This is not the first time he has been involved with somebody’s death whilst at the wheel of a motor vehicle.
"He has clearly failed to learn his lesson. Mr Jorgensen is free to walk away from court and his only effective punishment is a 12 month driving ban."
The 73-year-old had already crossed one lane and had nearly reached the other side of the road at the time of the collision.
Mr Greenwood was treated at the scene by paramedics and was rushed to Stepping Hill Hospital.
He was tragically pronounced dead a short time later, despite the medical staff's best efforts.
"We do not believe this is sufficient to keep our local roads safe." they stated.
"Nor is it sufficient deterrent to anybody who may be tempted to touch their SatNav, tune their radio or look at their phone when they should be looking out for other road users.
"Poynton road users will continue to have this menace to other road users residing amongst them and he will be clear to drive again on local streets in just 12 months time.
“Had Mr Jorgensen served the full term of his previous, most recent sentence he would not have been on the road that fateful night.
"Brian Greenwood was a gentle, well-liked and well respected local resident.
"A much-loved husband, father and grandfather. He went out to watch the football and never came home.”
Jorgensen was found guilty following a four-day trial at the Chester Nightingale Court which concluded on Thursday, November 11.
He returned to court this month where was sentenced to 36 weeks in prison - it was suspended for 18 months.
Meanwhile, he was also handed a 12 month driving ban and must do 20 rehabilitation activities, one of which includes improving the standard of his driving.
The family further claim that the removal of the pelican crossings in the village centre has 'confused people'.
They add that Brian would have made it home that evening if the crossings were kept.
The statement read: “Since the local council removed the pelican crossings in the centre of Poynton village, to be replaced by a continental style double roundabout deliberately designed to confuse motorists, pedestrians in Poynton have to run the gauntlet of the traffic and cross at a point wherever they feel safest themselves.
"Had the council left a controlled crossing point in place we are sure Brian would have made it home safely that evening."
A Cheshire East Council spokesperson said: “Any death on the borough’s roads is to be regretted and our thoughts and sympathies go out to the bereaved family of Mr Greenwood.
“We work with Cheshire police and the borough’s road safety team to look into the circumstances surrounding any road fatality in Cheshire East and will consider any action that may be recommended.
“However, there is no evidence to suggest that the removal of the pelican crossing, or the Poynton shared space scheme, played any part in this fatality and these were not referred to in the subsequent court hearing.”
Jorgensen's previous convictions also include a motoring ban in 1982 with several mentions of taking without owner's consent offences.
He was also convicted and jailed in France for smuggling cannabis in the early 2000s.
The Greenwood family said: "We would like to place on record our gratitude to Cheshire Police for a thorough and diligent investigation and to the CPS, along with barrister Mr Owen Edwards, for running a committed and successful prosecution as well as the paramedics and witnesses who tried to help Brian at the scene”
