…By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media.
An 88-year-old pensioner named Maureen Jesper avoided a jail sentence after admitting to causing the death of Jacqui Witham by careless and inconsiderate driving.
The incident occurred when Jesper hit the 46-year-old mother of two while she was cycling along a country lane in Barston, West Midlands, on January 12 last year.
Despite not realizing what had happened at the time, Jesper heard a “thud” as she drove along the road.
Birmingham Magistrates’ Court heard that the collision took place on a bright morning with rainwater causing glare from the road.
Footage from a nearby estate revealed that Ms. Witham, injured from the initial impact, attempted to get up but was subsequently struck by a second car, a Nissan Juke.
The driver of the Nissan Juke stopped immediately and was cleared of any wrongdoing.
Passers-by provided initial first aid assistance, but unfortunately, Ms. Witham was pronounced dead upon the arrival of the police and medical personnel.
Detectives initially believed that only the Nissan Juke was involved in the crash but later discovered Jesper’s involvement after reviewing CCTV footage.
During the court proceedings, Angela Hallam, the prosecutor, acknowledged that Jesper had not been aware of her involvement until officers arrived at her home.
In a moving victim statement, Ms. Witham’s sister, Julie Haye, described her as a fun-loving and generous mother who left behind two daughters, Ellie and Mila.
Her parents expressed deep grief, describing their daughter as the “brightest light” in their lives.
Jesper’s defense lawyer, Matthew Kerruish-Jones, acknowledged her lack of care while driving and emphasized her remorse.
He requested a low-level penalty, noting that she was driving at a relatively low speed of 36mph and her visibility was affected by glare creating a shadow on the verge.
Describing Jesper’s character as exemplary with no previous convictions, Mr. Kerruish-Jones mentioned that she had entered a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity.
He highlighted the hardships Jesper faced, including caring for her husband with Alzheimer’s disease until his passing.
The defense lawyer stated that many of her friends had passed away, and Jesper was unlikely to drive again.
As a result, Jesper was disqualified from driving for ten years, and she was ordered to pay costs of £459.
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