Widow of 28-year-old killed by trucker while cycling home says life without him is ‘living hell’
24.01.2022 - 21:19
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The widow of an army veteran who died after being hit by a truck while cycling home says each day without him is 'like a living hell'.
Former Corporal Joe Clarke was travelling along a cycle lane in Trafford when David Clarke - who is no relation - pulled out of a side street in front of him.
Cpl Clarke, 28, fell under the wheels of the Mercedes lorry and suffered multiple crush injuries.
He died a week later in hospital.
David Clarke, 57, was this week handed a 24-week prison sentence suspended for two years and 200 hours unpaid work after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving at Manchester Magistrates’ Court.
Cpl Clarke’s widow, Cassie Clarke, 30, has criticised the trucker for his actions and says her life is now “empty and meaningless”.
“All it took was three seconds to take his life and mine,” she said in a statement read out in court.
“I should not be a 30-year-old widow.
“We planned to have a family and to have a dream wedding ceremony. We will never have that now because of your poor decision making.
“Losing him has taken the enjoyment out of my life. I am a shadow of my former self. I have crippling anxiety and depression.
“I now have to live each day living in this world without him, (it) is like a living hell.
"My life is now empty and meaningless. He was a beautiful human being and this world is worse off without him.”
Paying tribute to Cpl Clarke - who served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers - Mrs Clarke added: “Joe was so generous and thoughtful. He was a man who would give an elderly man a lift if he was in the street. The stories are endless.
“He would do anything for his family, friends and me. He did everything for me. He served this country for ten years and he was