A fatal three-car collision resulted in the untimely and violent deaths of Roger Barton, 73, and Christine Barton, 75, as 80-year-old Michael Hamburger, the driver responsible, avoided imprisonment despite having a clear view of traffic. The incident occurred on the B3006 between Alton and Selborne in January 2022, as reported by the Daily Mail on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.
During the trial at Winchester Crown Court, it was revealed that Hamburger pulled out directly in front of the Bartons’ VW Tiguan, causing their vehicle to roll onto its side and subsequently be struck by another car in the opposite lane.
Analysis of the crime scene brought to light that a driver positioned at the junction would have had an “unobstructed view” of 500 meters to the right and could have “easily” seen the Bartons, who were clearly visible at the time of the accident.
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Despite this, Hamburger pleaded guilty to two counts of death by careless driving and received a three-year driving ban. The judge imposed a 15-month suspended jail sentence for two years, asserting that Hamburger “should have” seen the approaching Bartons.
Prosecutor Russell Pyne detailed the tragic events, emphasizing that the collision occurred on a clear and overcast winter day, with dry conditions. Hamburger, a company director, left an auction house at Norton Farm and, upon reaching the road, pulled out directly into the path of the Bartons, who were clearly visible to his right.
The collision resulted in the Bartons’ car rolling onto its side and roof into oncoming traffic, causing fatal injuries upon impact. Despite Hamburger’s claim of a fast-approaching vehicle, crime scene analysis contradicted this, revealing an unobstructed view for a driver positioned at the junction.
In defense, Hamburger’s representative, Rupert Hallowes, highlighted the driver’s compliance with driving laws and recent fitness to drive clearance, despite two cataract operations. Hamburger, in a remorseful letter read to the court, expressed profound apologies for his role in the tragic accident and the deaths of Roger and Christine Barton.
During sentencing, Judge Angela Morris acknowledged the Bartons’ vehicle’s visibility and emphasized the profound loss experienced by the family. The Bartons were described as hardworking, caring individuals who cherished their family.
Hamburger received a 15-month suspended prison sentence, a three-year driving ban, and was cautioned that he could only drive again upon passing an extended driving test. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs of £656.
