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Two years for careless driving killer

A man who was driving when a 'tragic and devastating' collision saw a mother killed and her daughter seriously injured has been sent to prison for two years.

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Ann Walton, aged 79, had been out with her daughter Susan, 59, and their dog on Jones Lane in Great Wyrley, when they were hit by a Ford Focus driven by Terry Lowe, 32.

Ann, who was being pushed in a wheelchair by her daughter, died as a result of the impact, while her daughter, who was 57 at the time, has been left unable to care for herself and now suffers from epileptic fits as well as short term memory loss and feelings of fear.

Stafford Crown Court heard how the pair would often go out along the route to keep active, however the tragedy on July 30 last year occurred when Lowe, from Ivy Close, Cannock, failed to see them walking due to the glare of the sunlight impairing his vision.

Lowe was given a two year prison sentence and a four year driving ban after pleading guilty to one count of causing death by careless driving and one count of causing serious injury by careless driving.

Prosecuting, Mr Howard Searle, said: "The road has a 60mph speed limit imposed on it but the defendant was driving between 35 and 43mph.

"However, his vision was impaired due to the glare of the sun and he told police in interview that the first he knew of the victims was when he hit them.

"Susan was sent onto and over the bonnet of the car, while Ann was sent into a grass verge which sat on the side of the road.

"Her injuries were unfortunately fatal and Susan's have turned her life upside down."

The court heard how Lowe, who had a clean driving licence and criminal record, was driving with family in his car at the time and stayed at the scene to assist police.

Defence solicitor Harry Owen said that his client 'felt complete, genuine remorse' over what had happened and labelling the incident 'a tragic accident'.

He said: "I want to make it clear that at no point in the lead up to today's sentencing has the defendant once showed any concern over what will happen to him.

"His thoughts are entirely with the family and the victims, he knows that this doesn't end today, this is something that he has to live with for the rest of his life.

"He feels nothing but complete, genuine remorse."

Sentencing Lowe, recorder Michael Chambers QC said that the defendant 'had done everything right' in relation to pleading guilty early and staying at the scene.

However, he decided that a prison sentence and driving ban was a fitting punishment.

He said: "This is a difficult sentence to make because in one way you did everything right.

"You stayed at the scene, offering assistance to officers, you pleaded guilty and you have show clear and genuine remorse.

"However, if you couldn't see at the time you should have stopped driving.

"This is a tragic and devastating incident and I would like to offer my condolences to the victims and their family."

Sergeant Ian Tanner, from the force’s Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Today’s sentence is to be welcomed and I hope it brings some comfort to Ann and Susan’s family and friends.

“Drivers should always be mindful of weather conditions and take steps to make their trip safely.

“We work tirelessly with our partners to tackle dangerous driving and will take the appropriate action against those who break the law.”

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