In a heartbreaking case that has captured public attention, a 96-year-old woman has made headlines as the oldest female driver in Britain to face conviction for dangerous driving.
June Mills, from Ainsdale in Merseyside, found herself in court today after admitting to causing the tragic death of 76-year-old Brenda Joyce.
The incident occurred last August on Elbow Lane in Formby when Mills lost control of her Vauxhall Corsa, tragically mounting the pavement.
The Aftermath of the Accident
Mrs. Joyce sustained severe head injuries and sadly passed away at the scene.
Another pedestrian, 80-year-old Jennifer Ensor, was also involved but thankfully only suffered minor injuries.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Mills was spared a prison sentence today.
Instead, she received an 18-month suspended prison term for her actions, with the judge remarking that she had “lost her good character” as a result of the incident.
Along with the suspended sentence, she was handed a five-year driving ban and fined £1,500.
A Heartfelt Sentencing
During the sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court, Judge Simon Medland KC expressed the tragedy of the case, stating, “On any view and from every angle, this case is an utter tragedy.”
He emphasized the impact on Mrs. Joyce’s family and the injury to Mrs. Ensor, highlighting the severe consequences of Mills’s actions.
In court, it was revealed that Mrs. Joyce and Mrs. Ensor were walking home from a bridge club when the accident happened. Mills, who appeared in court using a wheelchair, explained in a prepared statement that she felt her car’s accelerator had “dropped to the floor” as she tried to navigate around a parked vehicle.
She recalled, “It all happened very quickly… I could not avoid hitting them because the car was going so fast; I had no control over it.”
The Family’s Response and Community Support
Interestingly, it came to light that Mrs. Joyce’s husband chose not to support the prosecution.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Ensor spoke in court about her minor injuries and the guilt she felt for surviving the collision.
Tom Gent, Mills’s defense attorney, described the situation as “dreadfully sad,” emphasizing that Mills was genuinely remorseful for what had transpired.
He noted her past voluntary work with victims of crime and her current efforts to house Ukrainian refugees, showing her commitment to helping others.
Judge’s Decision and Reflection on the Case
Judge Medland acknowledged that, based on Mills’s guilty plea and the surrounding circumstances, an 18-month prison sentence could be suspended.
He pointed out that it wouldn’t be just to impose an immediate sentence, considering the extensive references and the complexities of the case.
Ultimately, Mills was ordered to pay a fine and prosecution costs, alongside her disqualification from driving.
Following the hearing, Detective Sergeant Andy Roper of Merseyside Police expressed hope that the court’s decision would provide some closure to Mrs. Joyce’s family.
He conveyed his sympathies as they continue to cope with the aftermath of that tragic day in August, recognizing the challenging investigation that led to today’s court outcome.
A Call for Privacy
As the case reaches its conclusion, authorities are urging the public to respect the privacy of all parties involved, acknowledging the sensitive nature of the situation.
While no outcome can reverse the loss of Mrs. Joyce, the hope is that the resolution of this case can aid in the healing process for her family and friends.
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