Drunk driver's final insult after crushing mum, 30, between two cars

A drunk driver who mowed down an innocent woman has refused to take part in the investigation into her subsequent death.

Kara Prentice suffered life-changing injuries after being crushed between two cars by Rebecca Hodgson on Seabank Road, New Brighton, on September 7 2018. Hodgson, who was twice the legal limit, had been speeding at 50-55mph on the 30mph road when she crashed into a red Peugeot and a taxi, trapping Miss Prentice between them.

The 30-year-old mum-of-three suffered devastating injuries resulting in both her legs being amputated and part of the left side of her body removed. She died on June 4 2021, age 33.

READ MORE: 'Monster' used selfie stick to film mum and daughter as they showered

READ MORE: Woman says 'it's ridiculous' after trying new hair salon

At a hearing ahead of her inquest today, April 18, coroner Anita Bhardwaj said Hodgson, who was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving in June 2020, had refused to be involved in the investigation.

She said: "The interested persons at this stage are obviously the family and the driver of the vehicle. But I understand the driver does not want to be involved and does not want to have any bundles (of evidence) sent to her, and she is not someone I propose to call (as a witness)."

The court heard Kara, who lived in Wallasey, was taken to Aintree Hospital for emergency treatment after being hit by Hodgson while entering a taxi. She was referred to the Walton Centre for rehabilitation on February 13 2020, but returned to Aintree one month later for further surgery after suffering septic wounds. She was discharged on August 25 and multiple referrals were made to safeguarding services due to "issues with wound management".

In April 2021 she received an assessment and was taken to Arrow Park hospital on the 29th of that month. She died on June 4.

Her funeral took place at Landican Cemetery on July 16 2021, where friends and family members paid heartfelt tributes to the Disney-loving mum, whose Lion King coffin was carried by a rainbow-coloured horse drawn carriage. Her sister Paige said: "She always had my back. She had the biggest heart anyone had ever seen. I shouldn't have to be stood here today to say goodbye to my big sister forever. Everywhere I look and see I'll remember her."

Ms Bhardwaj said evidence would be required from various parties ahead of the inquest, including Merseyside Police, Aintree Hospital, Arrowe Park hospital, Wirral Council, Kara's GP practice, and Love Nursing, a Birkenhead company involved in Kara's care. Another pre-inquest review hearing was scheduled for October 3.

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here