Driver avoids jail after mother and daughter injured in Tattershall crash
Deborah Starr mounted the pavement before hitting the two pedestrians leaving them with life changing injuries
Last updated 9th Jun 2026
A driver has avoided jail after hitting a mother and her daughter in Tattershall, leaving them with life-changing injuries.
Officers believe Deborah Starr, 68, fell asleep at the wheel prior to the crash on Sleaford Road on 15 August 2025.
Lincoln Crown Court heard Starr was travelling towards Sleaford along the A153 in Tattershall when she mounted the pavement and hit a mother, 39, and her daughter, who was 11 at the time.
They were both launched into the air and landed in a nearby garden.
Starr only stopped when she collided with a lamppost.
Both pedestrians were taken to hospital where they needed surgery to stabilise their injuries, and they continue to live with the effects.
The mother suffered head and internal injuries and multiple fractures to various bones throughout her body.
Her daughter suffered skull and pelvic fractures as well as numerous cuts, grazes and bruising.
Sentencing
Starr previously pleaded guilty to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
She was sentenced to two years six months imprisonment suspended for three years.
She must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work and has been banned from driving for two years, and will have to take an extended driving re-test.
Asleep at the wheel
Witnesses who spoke to Starr after the crash said she told them she felt tired.
Detective Sergeant Adam Doona from Lincolnshire Police, said: “This collision was down to Deborah Starr driving whilst tired. At the time of the collision comments were made by her that lead us to believe that she had fallen asleep at the wheel, causing her to mount the pavement.
“The failure of Starr to pull over when she felt tired have left the two pedestrians she hit with devastating lifelong consequences. It is regrettable that we have to keep repeating this message, but please always ensure you are well rested before commencing any journey. It might not be just your life that you destroy should you fall asleep at the wheel.”