Stubbington pensioner jailed for causing death of a mother by careless driving

Ronald Dossett, 75, of Marks Tey Road, Stubbington was driving his blue Honda Civic in West Sussex when he veered into the opposite carriageway and collided head-on with an orange Suzuki Ignis driven by Nicola Drummond, 44, of Long Furlong, Findon.

Mrs Drummond was airlifted to hospital but sadly died from her injuries while her two children, a 14-year-old boy and six-year old girl, sustained serious injuries from which they have now recovered.

Dossett was also seriously injured while his wife, 75, sustained minor injuries in the accident, which happened on the A280 in Angmering on January 17, 2019. A third vehicle collided with Dossett’s vehicle and the driver of that vehicle also sustained injuries.

The defendant was reported for summons and entered a guilty plea to causing death by careless driving. At Lewes Crown Court on Friday he was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment. He was also disqualified from driving for 30 months and must take an extended re-test should he wish to drive again.

Judge Christie Laing described Mrs Drummond as an ‘extraordinary woman’ whose last words when trapped in her car were for her two children to be taken care of before her.

Summing up the hearing Judge Laing said she was satisfied it was not a momentary lapse in concentration by Dossett and that he either fell asleep or was doing something that so distracted him that he did not realise that anything was amiss, as he made no attempt to avoid the collision.

In mitigation, Dossett claimed he did not remember what happened and had been having difficulty in coming to terms with it being his responsibility, but now accepts that he caused the collision.

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Investigating officer, PC Shirley Ross, said: ‘This was a tragic case which claimed the life of a local woman, the effects of which will sadly be long-lasting for her family and friends.

‘Careless driving is recognised by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) as one of the ‘fatal five’ offences, along with speeding, drink and drug-driving, mobile phone use and not wearing a seatbelt. These are proven to be the five most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions across the UK and together we need to do more to reduce the number of casualties.

‘Working together with partners, through education and enforcement, we aim to protect all road users and deal robustly with anyone who compromises the safety of themselves or others.’

Mrs Drummond’s family wished to thank everyone involved in the case who helped to bring it to a conclusion.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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