A MUM who drove the wrong way around a roundabout and killed a gran as she posted her Christmas cards has been jailed.
Charlotte Symons, 40, failed to brake as she ploughed into 67-year-old Sandra Chamberlain – knocking her to the ground.
WNSCharlotte Symons drove the wrong way around a roundabout[/caption]
WNSShe ploughed into Sandra Chamberlain, pictured with her daughter[/caption]
The mum then jumped from her car in Caerphilly, Wales, as she claimed: “I didn’t see her”.
Sandra was rushed to hospital with serious head injuries but sadly couldn’t be saved and died eight days later on December 17, 2022.
Symons has now been jailed for four years and eight months after she admitted death by dangerous driving.
In a victim impact statement, Sandra’s daughter Stacey Hoskin said: “We know the defendant didn’t set out to hurt anyone that day but as drivers it is our responsibility to ensure the road is clear before we manoeuvre.
“There are lots of ifs and buts about that day but the biggest one is if she had followed the basic rules of driving we wouldn’t be here today and my mam still would.
“She went to the shop and to post some Christmas cards. Six weeks and four days later she came back to us in a coffin.”
Cardiff Crown Court heard she was returning from a shopping trip when she cut across a mini roundabout in her Nissan Navara.
Sandra, who had been posting her Christmas cards at the local village shop, had almost crossed the road when she was hit by Symons.
Prosecutor Gareth James said the gran was wearing a bright red jacket at the time so would have been easily visible.
He added: “Had the defendant driven the correct way around the roundabout this collision would not have happened.”
The court was told Symons initially told police she had been driving on the right side of the road when the horror unfolded.
But after horrific CCTV emerged of the crash, she admitted she lived nearby and had become “complacent”.
PS Shane Draper, Serious Collision Investigation manager, said: “This is a tragic case that has resulted in the needless loss of a life.
“Charlotte Symons actions highlight the real dangers of irresponsible driving.
“There can be no excuses for driving dangerously. It can have devastating impact on other innocent road users, as shown in this case.
“This is a reminder to everyone who gets behind the wheel – your responsibility isn’t just to ensure your own safety, but the safety of everyone around you.
“I would also like to thank all those who provided information to assist in the investigation and offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Sandra Chamberlain.”
WNSSymons has been jailed for four years and eight months[/caption]
WNSShe admitted she had become ‘complacent’ on the roundabout[/caption]
WNSSymons claimed she didn’t see Sandra[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
