A tragic event unfolded on March 25 last year, when a father desperately tried to stop his estranged wife from picking up their son, Zac, from school.
Just hours before the nine-year-old’s life was cut short in a horrific high-speed crash, Josh Roe had begged social services not to let his mentally unstable wife, Barbara Roe, take their son.
Unfortunately, his concerns were not acted upon in time.
The Dangers of a Mother’s Mental Health Struggles
Barbara Roe, who had a history of mental health issues, including bipolar disorder, was seen picking up Zac from school despite warnings.
In 2022, Barbara had been sectioned due to her mental health, but her condition worsened again in early 2024.
On the day of the crash, Zac appeared visibly scared as he got into the car with his mother, who had been exhibiting signs of mania.
Moments later, she sped along the A354 Salisbury Road, driving over 76mph, overtaking a van before colliding with a truck head-on.
The crash, which occurred at about 5:20 pm, took Zac’s life instantly.
A Desperate Father’s Plea for Help
In the days leading up to the fatal accident, Josh had contacted the police, social services, and Zac’s school, hoping to stop his wife from picking up their son.
He was deeply concerned about her mental state and the risk it posed to Zac.
Despite his efforts, the authorities did not intervene.
The day of the crash, Josh tried to reach Barbara’s psychiatrist, but did not receive a response.
Feeling helpless, he went to work that day unable to concentrate, hoping that someone would give him the authority to prevent his wife from collecting Zac.
The Fatal Crash
Barbara, in a manic state, was reportedly racing against a van as she sped along the road.
Her car, a Citroen DS9, became airborne upon impact with the truck, with the engine being ejected 30 yards from the scene.
Witnesses, including David and Gay Sutton, who were in a Porsche that Barbara had overtaken, expressed their concern before the crash, saying, “That is so irresponsible, that is an accident waiting to happen.”
Tragically, Zac, seated in the front passenger seat, bore the brunt of the impact and died instantly.
Court Proceedings and the Impact on the Family
Barbara Roe was sentenced to five years in prison for causing her son’s death by dangerous driving.
The court acknowledged her mental health struggles but emphasized that she was aware of the danger she posed while driving recklessly.
During the trial, Zac’s paternal grandfather, Christopher Roe, spoke of his heartbreak, questioning how a mother could endanger her son’s life.
Meanwhile, Zac’s grandmother, Lyn, recalled how Zac appeared terrified just before the crash, a haunting memory that will stay with her forever.
The judge also highlighted the tragic loss to Zac’s father, Josh, who had been trying to protect his son.
Josh’s victim impact statement conveyed the immense grief he felt, describing how losing his son felt like a hole in his heart.
He expressed the depths of his sorrow, saying, “I miss him every second of every day. He was my favorite person in the world.”
A Mother’s Regret
Barbara Roe, who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, was suffering from a deteriorating mental state at the time of the crash.
Her defense argued that she wasn’t fully aware of her actions, as she was in a hyperactive state.
However, the court stressed that while her mental illness was a factor, she knew what she was doing and understood it was wrong.
The judge noted that her reckless actions led directly to her son’s death, and she would carry the weight of that knowledge for the rest of her life.
Lessons Learned: A Warning for All Drivers
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the court called attention to the importance of road safety and the responsibility drivers have towards others on the road.
The lorry driver involved in the crash, Christopher Mitchell, was deemed blameless.
The judge advised all drivers to be aware of their actions and to avoid competitive driving, which can lead to devastating consequences.
Ultimately, no legal sentence can undo the damage done to Josh Roe, whose life has been forever altered by the loss of his son.
Zac’s death serves as a tragic reminder of how crucial it is for authorities and families to take mental health warnings seriously, especially when children’s safety is at stake.