A grandmother tragically died four months after being fatally struck by a reversing car on a garage forecourt, which left her disabled. Sandra Diplock, 64, was hit by a Mitsubishi Outlander driven by Roger Jones, 60, at Brooklands Garage in Nelson, Caerphilly on April 19 last year. The driver failed to see Ms Diplock as she crossed the forecourt with her grandson’s friend, resulting in her hitting her head on the concrete after being struck by the vehicle.
During the sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court, it was revealed that despite shouts for him to stop, Jones continued to reverse the vehicle. The impact caused Ms Diplock’s grandson’s friend to move out of the way, but unfortunately, Ms Diplock was knocked backwards and hit her head on the ground. Despite immediate assistance from emergency services, Ms Diplock sustained severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, a skull fracture, and other critical conditions that led to her deteriorating health over the following months.
Ms Diplock’s daughters emotionally described their anguish and suffering due to the incident. One daughter, Natalie Roberts, spoke of the profound impact on her mental health, stating her struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. Another daughter, Angharad Murray, expressed how the collision not only resulted in the loss of her mother but also inflicted ongoing emotional trauma and hardship. The family’s heartfelt statements highlighted the profound loss and devastation caused by Jones’s actions.
In court, Jones admitted responsibility for the collision and displayed genuine remorse for his actions. His defence counsel emphasised his client’s deep regret and psychological struggles following the incident. Despite his previous exemplary driving record, Jones pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. The judge acknowledged Ms Diplock’s significant role in her family and community, underscoring the far-reaching impact of her loss.
As part of his sentencing, Jones received a six-month suspended prison term, was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, pay £150 in costs, and was disqualified from driving for 15 months. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences that careless driving can have on innocent lives and underscores the importance of vigilance and awareness on the road.