Yahoo News Banned motorist 'pretending to be racing driver' crashed van into house and killed woman, 90
A banned driver who crashed a van into a house killing a 90-year-old woman is facing jail after she was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving.
Tracy Bibby, 35, was forbidden from driving at the time she steered a Ford Transit into Joan Woodier's house on Yeolands Drive, Clevedon, north Somerset.
The van was left embedded in the front wall of the house, which collapsed on to Mrs Woodier as she spoke to her son on the phone at around 8.30pm on April 18 last year.
The jury heard she had been “pretending to be a racing driver” before losing control of the van.
Bibby, of Rushmore, Clevedon, denied causing death by dangerous driving but was convicted following a trial at Bristol Crown Court.
She was also convicted of causing death by driving while disqualified and will be sentenced on May 24.
The jury heard Bibby had been at The Crab Apple pub moments before the incident.
The pub's CCTV captured her getting into the van on the driver's side, while a witness told the court she spoke to Bibby through the window as she sat behind the wheel before she pulled away.
Jurors heard Bibby claim she had switched places with one of the three passengers in the vehicle after driving away from the pub and maintained she was not responsible for the crash.
Several of Mrs Woodier's neighbours came out of their homes after hearing the collision to see if they could help.
One neighbour told the jury she overheard Bibby telling one of the van's passengers "it wasn't my fault, he made me drive", referring to another of the people who had been inside the vehicle at the time.
A police forensic collision investigator later examined the scene and concluded the van had driven into the house at a speed between 32mph and 40mph. The road's speed limit is 30mph.
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Speaking after the verdict, Avon and Somerset Police collision investigation officer Tony Hall said: "Bibby has consistently refused to take responsibility for her reckless actions that night which tragically resulted in the death of Mrs Woodier.
"She sought to blame someone else, even though all the evidence pointed to her being the one behind the wheel.
"This is a terribly sad case but I hope today's result goes some way to providing closure for Mrs Woodier's family.
"I'd like to thank them for the patience and support they've demonstrated during the past year which I know at times has not been easy."
In a statement released by the force, Mrs Woodier's family said: "The family would like to thank the police, the Crown's prosecutor and our two amazing liaison officers for getting us through this horrendous time.
"To all of mum's neighbours who showed tremendous courage and resolve in trying to rescue her out of the remains of the house on that fateful night.
"Also to their strength of character and voice when having to stand up in court and relive that awful scene. We cried for you when you were cross-examined but you never wavered from your belief of events.
"This could all have been avoided so easily but unfortunately it wasn't to be. Thank you all."
