Norwich man says Wroxham Road, Sprowston crash didn't happen

Noel Barrett, 83, who was once at the helm of the Barrett's Fish and Chip empire, explained how he had taken a friend to an appointment at Friends Dental Practice in Wroxham Road, Sprowston on December 19.

Mr Barrett claims he made a left turn out of the dental practice in Wroxham Road with no sign of any accident (Image: Google Street View)

As he left the practice's car park, he was signalled by another driver to turn onto the main road, made a left turn and drove home.

But a few days later, he was shocked to receive a letter from Norfolk police's Road Collision Support Team telling him that his Skoda Superb had been in an accident in the same spot - and that he is facing prosecution for careless driving, failing to stop and failing to report an accident.

A spokeswoman for Norfolk police confirmed Mr Barrett's experience relates to an ongoing investigation after a vehicle was reportedly damaged in Wroxham Road on December 19 and that enquiries are continuing.

"I have never had a road traffic accident. There's absolutely no damage to my car," said the retiree, who lives in Taverham.

Noel Barrett, 83, said the incident has left him in limbo (Image: Denise Bradley)

"There were no signs of braking at all. I certainly didn't clip anyone and no one clipped me.

"I couldn't believe it."

Mr Barrett phoned the police to explain the situation, who then told him to fill in the details of his insurance company on the letter they had sent.

His insurers then asked for details of the accident - which Mr Barrett called to explain he could not provide.

"My insurers even said that it was a strange one," he said. "It's so peculiar.

Noel Barrett, 83, says he has never had a road traffic accident (Image: Denise Bradley)

"I now have to wait and nothing can be done until the police have their say.

"The only thing I can conclude is that someone has taken my registration plate and taken it and reported it as being in a collision because they want damage repaired to their car."

Mr Barrett does not have a dashboard camera but has been inspired to do so following recent events.

Mr Barrett says he has tried to inform Norfolk police that he was not involved in an accident in Wroxham Road on December 19 (Image: Denise Bradley)

He also stated that Norfolk police told him that he had to let the situation "run its course".

He said: "I've been left in limbo.

"I have a clean record, it's so frustrating."