Tragic Formby Collision involving 96-Year-Old Driver who Avoids Jail After Fatal Pavement Crash

Pensioner, 96, becomes oldest woman in Britain to be convicted of dangerous driving but has been spared an immediate prison sentence for killing a fellow member of her bridge club when her car mounted a kerb in #Formby last August

The 96-year-old woman has been handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence after admitting to causing the death of Brenda Joyce, 76, in a tragic road traffic incident in Formby last August.

June Mills, from Ainsdale, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, where she pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. The court heard how Mills’ car mounted the pavement, hitting Mrs. Joyce and another pedestrian, Jennifer Ensor, 80, following an incident in which Mills accidentally applied too much pressure to the accelerator. Her lawyer explained that “the accelerator pedal fell down beneath her foot, she panicked and failed to react,” resulting in the vehicle veering off the road.

Mrs. Joyce tragically died at the scene on Elbow Lane, and Ms. Ensor sustained tendon damage, leaving her unable to play a full round of golf. In a statement, Ms. Ensor expressed her sadness and "sense of guilt" for surviving the collision.

During sentencing, Judge Simon Medland KC described the case as “an utter tragedy” from every angle, acknowledging the pain and loss suffered by Mrs. Joyce’s family and the impact on Ms. Ensor, as well as the toll it has taken on Mills herself. “Mrs. Joyce died, Mrs. Ensor was injured, you have lost your good character and are in the dock of Liverpool Crown Court," he stated.

Mills, who has been described as a long-standing pillar of her community, was noted to have immediately surrendered her driving licence following the crash. Her lawyer highlighted that she has previously volunteered in charity work for victims of crime and young offenders, and she continues to support Ukrainian refugees by providing them with accommodation.

In passing the sentence, Judge Medland noted that due to her age, deteriorating health, and the circumstances of the incident, an immediate prison term would not be appropriate. “Bearing in mind the imposition guidelines, the pre-sentence reports, the abundance of references, and plain common sense, it would not profit anybody to make that an immediate sentence, nor would that be a just outcome,” he said.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Mills was ordered to pay a £1,500 fine, £500 in prosecution costs, and has been disqualified from driving for five years. The court recognised that while the sentence marks the end of the legal proceedings, the sorrow and consequences of that day will remain with all those affected forever.

Original story HERE