Bridgwater woman sentenced for fail-to-stop collision which killed 85-year-old
Jane Hill given suspended prison sentence after admitting careless driving
A 57-year-old woman has been sentenced, for causing the death of an elderly pedestrian in a fail-to-stop collision, in Bridgwater, in 2022.
Jane Hill, of Bridgwater, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving during her court appearance in October. She was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on Tuesday, 25th November 2025.
Fail-to-stop collision
The collision happened at around 4pm on Friday, 23rd September 2022, when 85-year-old Jean Bentley was struck by Hill’s car while walking home.
Jean received treatment from emergency services but died in hospital the following day despite their efforts.
Hill initially failed to stop at the scene, instead moving her car away before returning later to call for help.
Investigation and charges
A police investigation quickly established that Jean had been the victim of a fail-to-stop collision. CCTV showed Hill driving her car out of Dukes Mead and later returning to the scene.
Following forensic examination, evidence confirmed Hill’s car had been involved. Hill was subsequently arrested but initially denied responsibility. She was eventually charged and later admitted her guilt.
Sentencing
The court described Jean as a “brilliant individual” and acknowledged the deep loss her death has caused her family.
Jane Hill received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years and a three-year driving ban. She was also ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work.
Family tribute
Jean Bentley’s daughters gave victim personal statements in court, describing their mother as the heart of their family.
"She was more than just a mother—she was the heart of our family, a devoted nan to five beautiful grandchildren, and a woman who brought love, strength, and kindness into every life she touched," one statement read.
They expressed their grief over losing a vibrant, energetic woman, adding, “Her death has left a void that can never be filled. My family has lost a vibrant, energetic, sport mad lady. My siblings and I have lost the woman who guided us, supported us, and loved us unconditionally.
“Every holiday, every birthday, every ordinary day is now marked by her absence. The pain is unbearable, and it is made worse by the fact that her death could have been prevented.”
Police statement
Detective Sergeant Angus Moncur recognised the delays in reaching the sentencing outcome but emphasised the importance of Hill’s admission.
“Hill’s refusal to admit her guilt until last month’s trial left Jean’s family without the answers they deserved for three years and put them through an unnecessarily prolonged court process," Moncur said.
“Her behaviour was nothing short of cowardly and I’m glad that she has now admitted what she did and has faced justice through the courts.
“If you get behind the wheel of a vehicle you have a responsibility to other road users. If you don’t take that responsibility seriously, then it can have utterly tragic consequences, as it did for Jean and her family in this case.”