Woman jailed for causing death of Welsh concert-goer in Bristol
Fiona Hodge has been handed a one year sentence for careless driving
A 69-year-old woman has been sentenced to one year in prison for causing the death of a concert-goer in Bristol two years ago.
Fiona Hodge, from St Werburghs, Bristol, was found guilty of causing death by careless driving by a jury at Bristol Crown Court in April.
Hodge's sentencing took place on Monday, 15th June, where the court also imposed more than £3,000 in legal costs and a driving ban for two and a half years.
The incident occurred just before 5.30pm on 9th June 2024, when Hodge drove her red Citroen onto the pavement on the A370 Brunel Way, striking 53-year-old pedestrian Donna Crossman as she walked to the Take That concert at Ashton Gate Stadium.
Donna, who was from Bridgend in Wales, died from her injuries the next day at Southmead Hospital.
Witnesses, including friends of the defendant and independent observers, testified during the trial, describing the car 'swerving between lanes' before the collision.
In a statement read out in court, Donna’s mother Annette Price shared the grief and pain of losing her daughter, describing Donna's remarkable life and accomplishments:
“Although Donna was a grown woman, she was our child, our flesh and blood. Nothing can prepare you for the death of a child at whatever age. From the day she was born and throughout her life, she brought us so much joy. Donna’s life was not insignificant."
“A quiet, studious, loving child, she joined the Air Force at the age of 17. The nervousness she felt at leaving home slowly disappeared and she turned into a confident, highly-skilled, but still very loving young woman and over the next 19 years she served her country proudly.”
Annette spoke of Donna’s adventures and career highlights, including working at RAF stations around the world and serving with the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service:
“She was passionate about the cadets, because it gave young people opportunities and skills; it also took on many young offenders, showing them a positive path and helping them to turn their lives around."
“Her loss to the Fire Service has been devastating and as a testament to her work and passion, a few days after her funeral, we were sent a picture of a magnificent silver and gold trophy, made in her memory, to be presented to the best Fire Cadet in the whole of Wales.
“She was a truly amazing woman. To us, her family, she was our rock. Someone we relied on, so grateful in the knowledge she would be there for us in our later years."
“Over time, a role reversal had taken place, she was the mother figure taking care of us. Our carer, our driver, our voice of reason, her amazing ability to put things in perspective and to help solve problems. Wiped out in an instant of carelessness."
“The moment her heart stopped beating, our lives shattered into a million pieces. Never to be whole again. The shockwaves affecting the lives of her family, friends and colleagues, who like us, are still traumatised by her loss.”
After the sentencing, Donna’s mum and dad, Stephen and Annette Price, said:
“Having now heard the sentencing of Fiona Hodge for her careless driving and the killing of our wonderful daughter Donna, it brings a conclusion to the two-year fight for justice for her."
“Whatever the sentence was, it will not bring our beloved daughter back, but it goes some way to righting a wrong and prove the British legal system works."
“We would like to thank everyone in the prosecution team, especially Mr Adam Vaitilingham KC for his excellent work as prosecution counsel and, of course, the jury for seeing the truth."
“Perhaps we can now take time to grieve properly.”
Designated Investigating Officer Noelie Poupard from the Serious Collision Investigation Team said:
“No sentence can undo the devastating loss suffered by Donna’s family, who described her as the rock of their family and whose lives were changed forever by this collision."
“For more than two years they have waited with remarkable strength, dignity and patience for this case to conclude. Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the consequences of Hodge’s actions and provides a measure of accountability for what happened."
“Our thoughts remain with Donna’s loved ones, and I hope that the conclusion of these proceedings allows them to begin to move forward, knowing that justice has now been delivered.”