Man Jailed for Deadly Rudston Crash That Killed 70-Year-Old
A Londoner has been locked up for six years after a catastrophic crash near Rudston, East Riding of Yorkshire, claimed the life of 70-year-old Sue Whittles. The horror smash on Friday, 24 November 2023, happened when Timothy Kusemi, 41, recklessly ignored a stop sign at a crossroads.
Guilty Plea Sees Kusemi Behind Bars
Kusemi, from Lower Bedford Road in London, pleaded guilty on 23 February 2026 to causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving. He’d already admitted causing death while unlicensed. The court handed down a harsh six-year prison sentence and slapped him with an 11-year driving ban.
Crash Chaos: How It Happened and Aftermath
The smash unfolded just before 3pm. Kusemi was speeding north on Burton Road in his Audi A6. Meanwhile, Sue Whittles was driving east along B1253 Thwing Road in a Volkswagen T-Roc with her husband Bill, 83, strapped in beside her. At the busy crossroads with Burton Road and Nine Dikes Road, Kusemi failed to stop and crashed violently into the side of their car.
- Sue Whittles died instantly.
- Bill suffered multiple fractures to his spine, ribs, sternum, wrist, and a dislocated ankle, along with head and facial injuries.
- Fire crews had to cut Bill free before he was airlifted to hospital, where he spent 12 weeks in intensive care and rehab.
Police Reveal Dangerous Driving and Licence Lies
Humberside Police’s Serious Collision Unit launched a detailed probe. Witnesses described Kusemi’s driving as erratic, weaving wildly just moments before the crash. It emerged that his UK driving licence was invalid and he wasn’t qualified to drive at the time.
“This was a tragic and entirely avoidable incident,” said Sgt Rob Mazingham. “Kusemi showed no regard for road signs, causing devastating loss and life-changing injuries.”
Family Pay Emotional Tribute to Sue
Bill Whittles gave a touching tribute to his late wife: “Sue was my lovely wife and best pal. She was a devoted Nan to Anna and Oliver, who miss her terribly. A respected local preacher, Guide leader, and passionate supporter of Riding for the Disabled – what an awful waste.”
Police Urge Public to Report Dangerous Driving
Officers are calling on witnesses to report dangerous drivers. Contact them via the non-emergency number 101 or dial 999 in emergencies. Anyone with video evidence can submit it through the online tool Op Snap to help bring reckless drivers like Kusemi to justice.
