Pensioner, 89, faces up to 14 years behind bars after 'hero' father killed
A MAN of 89 faces dying behind bars when jailed next month after accidentally mowing down and killing a heroic father.
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Edward Whalen could be sentenced to up to 14 years after losing control of his Kia Picanto and killing health care worker Paul John, 47.
The father-of-two was walking hand-in-hand with daughter Angela, nine, when Whalen careered through a road junction last March.
Mr John pushed the girl to safety and took the impact himself, Manchester Crown Court heard.
Whalen wore a flat cap as he limped to court on Wednesday.
He admitted causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving and was warned to prepare for jail.
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Offences of this nature clearly pass the custodial threshold
In the dock he strained to hear, leaned forward, looked confused and bowed his head during proceedings.
He was given bail and banned from driving but Judge Timothy Smith said: “These are very serious offences.
“Offences of this nature clearly pass the custodial threshold.”
NHS worker Mr John, who moved to Manchester from Kerala, southern India in 2001, was active in his local Catholic church and lived with his wife Mini, a nurse, elder daughter Kimberley, 13, and Angela.
Witnesses said his bravery in pushing Angela away possibly saved her.
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Moments later the Kia struck pedestrian Stephanie Kendall, 27, and her toddler son in a pushchair.
Miss Kendall was treated for a broken wrist but her son was uninjured.
Whalen stayed at the scene after the crash and was arrested.
Mr John died from his injuries and in a last act of selflessness his organs were donated to save lives of others.
In a tribute, friend Sajan Chacko said: “Paul spent most of his time with the family, looking after the kids. That was his life.”
