Mother caused death of her son, nine, by dangerous driving
A 39-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to causing the death of her nine-year-old son by dangerous driving. Zac Roe, from Andover in Hampshire, died at the scene of the crash in East Woodyates, north Dorset, on March 25 2024. Dorset Police were called to a report of the accident on the A354 Salisbury Road involving a cattle transporter truck and trailer, a white Ford Transit van and a grey Citroen car.
Barbara Roe, of Ludgershall, Wiltshire, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court where she entered her plea to the single charge. Judge William Mousley KC ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared on the defendant and adjourned the case for sentencing on May 2. Charles Gabb, defending, said: "There is a detailed psychiatric report, it's very detailed and gives important information."
The judge also imposed an interim driving ban on Roe until the sentencing hearing.
(Image: PA Media)Releasing the defendant on conditional bail, he told her: "You will be sentenced on Friday May 2, if you do not come to court on May 2 without a good reason you will be committing a separate offence for which you could be separately punished. "Were you to break the conditions of bail you could be arrested and remanded in custody. "By reason of your plea of guilty to this indictment, you are now disqualified from driving, the period for which you will be disqualified will be decided at the sentencing hearing."
Following Zac's death, his father Josh Roe said in a statement: "Words cannot describe the pain I'm feeling, my heart is broken. You are my little angel. I love you more than anything in this world, you are my best buddy."
Grandfather Chris Roe said: "Zac, there are just no words to find. I just want to thank you for the wonderful and fun-filled memories we shared on your short journey of your life. "You were taken too soon but memories will last us a lifetime.
We will never stop loving you. Your smile and laughter still echoes around my and everyone's heart. Sweet dreams, our little angel."
Somerset Live WhatsApp Breaking News and Top Stories
Join Somerset Live's WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone
Somerset Live[1] is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community. Through the app, we'll send the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone. To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp.
All you need to do is click this link and select 'Join Community'.[2] No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Somerset Live[3] team. We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don't like our community, you can check out at any time you like. To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.[4]
Click here to join our WhatsApp community.[5]
References
- ^ Somerset Live (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ click this link and select 'Join Community'. (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ Somerset Live (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Privacy Notice. (www.reachplc.com)
- ^ Click here to join our WhatsApp community. (chat.whatsapp.com)