Driver who killed man in Deptford crash while speeding jailed

A driver who smashed into a pedestrian while travelling 52mph in a 30mph zone in Deptford has been jailed.

John Mulligan, of Southerngate Way, New Cross, was sentenced to four years after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving while speeding.

Mulligan drove a high-powered Volkswagen Golf TSI-R along Creek Road before pulling up alongside a BMW at traffic lights.

CCTV showed the two cars speeding away from the lights, and as they approached Creek Bridge, Mulligan pulled ahead.

As he approached traffic islands he changed lanes, all while driving at more than 52mph.

Mulligan, 33, couldn't see clearly over the Deptford Creek Bridge and crashed into 54-year-old Paul Weidlich who was crossing the road.

Mr Weidlich later died in hospital after the crash at around 5.20pm on June 4 last year.

Tributes flooded in for the former Transport for London worker, with one friend saying: "Paul’s dry wit was in my eyes the epitome of British humour and he was far more than a great friend.

“He was a trusted ally that stood by you through thick and thin and always had your back, no matter the circumstances.

“He was, in short, my mate and I will miss him dearly.”

The BMW driver did not stop and has not been traced.

At the start of his trial, Mulligan pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving, but this was rejected by the Crown.

Mulligan was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court and also disqualified from driving for six years.

Detective Sergeant Richard Budd, from the Met's roads and transport policing command, said: "Mulligan's speeding and dangerous driving caused the death of a man who was simply crossing a road.

"Throughout this investigation, Mulligan refused to accept that he was driving above the speed limit. Had this been the case, the outcome of his collision may have been different.

"This case highlights the need for motorists to behave appropriately and respect that improper driving can have serious consequences."