Hit and run victim was a devoted carer excited about the birth of his first grandchild

The terrible impact of the death of hit and run victim Michael Waistell was laid bare in an emotional family statement.
William Stallard, left, and Michael Waistell.William Stallard, left, and Michael Waistell.
William Stallard, left, and Michael Waistell.

Mr Waistell’s daughter Laura fought back tears as she read out an 11-page document describing the deep loss his death has had on his family.

As always just before he set off for work on July 31, he kissed his wife and told her loved her.

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Laura described how her heart sank when told the devastating news by the police.

She stated: “My dad has worked extremely hard all his life providing for us all, making sure we got what we needed, asking for nothing in return.

"He was a true gentleman and would never hurt anyone or moan if we asked him to do decorate or do any other jobs.

"He was well respected as a friend, colleague and neighbour.”

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Mr Waistell was looking forward to celebrating his 60th birthday next year and excited about being a grandfather for the first time.

The statement read: “When my dad found out he was expecting his first grandchild he was very emotional and overjoyed.”

Laura said he would have a been an amazing granddad adding: “They will never experience his love, cuddles, and kind loving eyes he had as he sings them to sleep.”

Mr Waistell devotedly cared for his wife who suffers with many health issues.

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Laura said: “They broke the mould when they made my dad as he had physically, emotionally and financially carried my mum.

"Now my mum sits at night and asks me how we are going to live without him?

"She tells me that the only thing that got her through the long days was my dad coming through the front door after he’d finished work.

“All she has now is an empty house that reminds her my dad is gone.”

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Directly addressing the driver responsible for his death, William Stallard, Laura said: “You are a coward who was full of alcohol and drugs.

"You knew you seriously hurt my dad but you left him to die and you will have to live with that for the rest of your life.

"How could you do this to our family?

"You’ve left us without a dad, husband, brother, son and you’re sat in your warm cell being fed and allowed phone calls with your loved ones.

"This will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”

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