Tributes to Knutton pensioner John Miller after Newcastle death

TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'quiet and polite' pensioner who was killed in a head-on car crash.

Eighty-one-year-old John Miller, of St John's Place, Knutton, died after his Vauxhall Corsa hit a black Fiat 500.

The crash, on Upper Milehouse Lane, Newcastle, resulted in police arresting a 25-year-old man on suspicion of drink driving.

Mr Miller was taken to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire following the December 1 accident, but died there on Thursday.

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Last night neighbours were remembering a 'kind, good-natured' man, who was known as a careful driver.

However, one neighbour said how Mr Miller was involved in a separate car accident just last year.

Joe Dunn, aged 80, of St Giles Road, lives around the corner from John's house and had been his neighbour when they lived at Wilmott Drive in Cross Heath.

He said: "John was a very steady driver but last year, a van had crashed into his car, which meant it had to be written off.

"I was really shocked when I heard he had passed away.

"I've known John for about 60 years. He was a good man and a good friend who was always helping the local community.

"I always saw him walking up and the down the street. He used to walk to Newcastle and back every day, even though he had a car. Sometimes he would bring us vegetables he had grown himself in his back yard. It's a shame he died like this having lived to the age he had.

"I had even written his Christmas card."

Sharon Topping, aged 43, of St John's Place, said: "He was a nice man and quite a few of the neighbours spoke to him. I think he lost his wife quite a while ago but I think he's got a brother and a nephew."

Carol William, aged 50, St John's Place, said: "John was always polite and said 'hello' or 'good morning' if he saw you. He was always good to the kids in the street.

"It's shame to reach a grand old age and then die like that."

George Shuker, aged 68, of St John's Place, said: "He was really fit and you always saw him walking up and down the street. He was a quiet chap and often kept himself to himself but he would always have a chat if he saw you."

The man arrested in connection with the incident, who is from Stoke-on-Trent, was also injured in the crash and remains in hopsital. He has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Two passengers in the Fiat, a 24-year-old and 26-year-old, suffered minor injuries.

Witnesses are asked to contact Sgt Ian Tanner at Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 793.