A DERBY driver who killed a student when he lost control of his Mercedes during an epileptic fit has walked free from court.
Ian King suffered a seizure while driving and ploughed his car into 20-year-old Chloe Adkins.
The 56-year-old, of Limegate Mews, Littleover, was charged with causing death by careless driving.
But his case was dismissed after a court heard he had suffered an epileptic seizure on the day, causing him to lose consciousness.
He told the Derby Telegraph after the case: "Obviously this has been going on for 18 months now and it is very upsetting for all concerned.
"If I feel like talking about what happened in the future then I will but that is all I want to say about it at this moment."
Miss Adkins was a student at Aston University when the accident happened on January 25 last year.
Birmingham Crown Court was told that she was struck by Mr King's Mercedes as she was walking down Hagley Road, in Edgbaston.
Paul Spratt, prosecuting, said: "Mr King had no recollection of the accident whatsoever. He was unconscious in the car following the accident.
"He was taken to hospital at the time and doctors carried out tests on him. He was clammy and sweating and his heart rate was increased.
"Doctors said it was likely he had received an epileptic seizure.He had never suffered anything like this before.
"A specialist consultant believes a seizure was the likely reason for Mr King losing control of his vehicle.
"As this is the case there is no evidence against him so he is not guilty."
It was revealed in court that Mr King had been a heavy drinker and alcohol withdrawal may have been a factor in causing the seizure.
But there was no alcohol found in his system at the time of the accident.
During the hearing, Nicholas Syfret QC, for Mr King, said: "Mr King wishes to express his devastation and heartfelt regret for this tragic day."
Miss Adkins, from Northampton, was in her third year at university studying computer science.
She suffered multiple injuries in the accident and lost her fight for life in hospital a short time later.
At the time of her death her family described her as a "beautiful person" who had "touched so many lives".
A family statement said: "Chloe had registered as an organ donor and we can only hope that her passing is of benefit to others.
"It's what she would have wanted.
"She was a beautiful person both inside and out.
"She touched so many lives with kind words and support and had a close circle of friends who loved her and who will miss her dearly.
"Chloe loved scrap-booking and baking and enjoyed making things for the house she shared with her boyfriend and two friends.
"Nothing can fill the void she leaves in all our lives.
"We love and miss her so much."
