Tributes Paid To Desborough Man After Driver Sentenced

Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Desborough man after a woman was sentenced for causing his death.

Tom Sturgess, 33, died after he was struck by the driver of a Ford Ranger while unloading scaffolding poles from a lorry in Oundle, Northants on January 5th 2022.

Following a trial at Northampton Crown Court, Emily Saunders was found guilty of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

The 28-year-old of Main Street, Upper Benefield, Northants, was handed a nine month suspended prison sentence, banned from driving for three years and ordered to carry out unpaid work.

She was also given a three-month electronically tagged overnight curfew between 7pm and 6am.

Mr Sturgess has been described as a ‘precious son’ and ‘devoted father of two’ who had his whole life still ahead of him.

Speaking after the sentence was passed, the partner of Mr Sturgess said: “Losing Tom has been the hardest thing I have ever had to come to terms with. I have not only lost my partner, but I have also lost my best friend, my family, my future, and my support. Tom was my rock.

“The result at Northampton Crown Court won’t bring him back, but we do feel like we have some justice for Tom.

“The hardest part is never hearing him laugh, see him smile, have him listen, and love me the way he did. Also, all the little things that we all take for granted in the moment.”

A statement released on behalf of Mr Sturgess’s two children, aged eight and 10, said: “Tom was only in his 30s when he was tragically killed in what was an avoidable accident. He had his whole life still ahead of him. He was a character and comical and humorous and sadly that has now gone.

“His two children were only 8 and 10 when their father was cruelly taken, just weeks before their ninth and 11th birthdays.

“They love their dad immensely, loved spending time with him at weekends and loved how fun and silly he was. They used to run through the door with laughter and smiles after a fun weekend, now it’s just silence.

“Our daughter now has no father to ever walk her down the aisle, only in spirit. Our son will have to grow up without his dad to guide him. Tom will never see his children grow, go to university, watch them get married, buy their first house or have their own children.

“Tom was taken too soon and now our children have to live the rest of their lives without their devoted father. The children were an important part of his life, they meant everything to him. Life will never be the same again, nothing will ever replace Tom and he is missed so truly and deeply.”

Paying tribute, Tom’s Mum said: “My precious son, Tom. The very day you came into this world, my heart was filled with love and joy. I held you in my arms and couldn’t believe you were my beautiful boy!

“I am so proud to have you as my son and will cherish the fact I had you in my life for over 33 years. I miss you more than words can ever say. All the memories I have of you will last forever and some bring a smile, some a tear.

“I will keep saying your name and carry on talking about you. I won’t let others be afraid to say your name as it brings me joy to talk about you and it always will. I just wish I could have held your hand on that awful day and made everything alright.

“You were taken far too soon in a time when you had so many hopes and dreams to achieve. You will remain in my heart forever until we meet again. Love you always and forever Tom my darling son”

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Janette Maitland from Northants Police said: “Tom Sturgess was a much-loved young man, an adored son, a devoted father to two children, with his whole life ahead of him.

“Nothing can bring Tom back or make up for the endless pain and grief felt by all those who love him. I hope the conclusion of this trial can at least give them some closure, now they know justice has been done and the person responsible brought to account.”