A tragic incident at a garage forecourt in Nelson, Caerphilly, has left a family devastated as they continue to mourn the loss of their beloved grandmother, Sandra Diplock. The 64-year-old grandmother was struck by a reversing Mitsubishi Outlander driven by Roger Jones, 60, on April 19 last year. Despite efforts to save her life, Sandra Diplock succumbed to her injuries four months later.
During a sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court, details of the harrowing incident were revealed. Jones had failed to notice Ms. Diplock as she walked across the forecourt with her grandson’s friend. Despite shouts to stop, Jones continued to reverse, hitting Ms. Diplock and causing her to sustain severe head injuries. Emergency services rushed her to the hospital, but she was unable to recover from the trauma and passed away on August 31, 2023. Her death was attributed to aspiration pneumonia, post-traumatic epilepsy, and a traumatic brain injury from the collision.
Jones, expressing deep remorse for his actions, admitted to causing death by careless driving. He acknowledged his “massive error in judgement” and the profound impact his actions had on Ms. Diplock’s family. Statements from Ms. Diplock’s daughters were read in court, revealing the profound grief and lasting trauma inflicted by the tragic event. The daughters described how their lives had been forever altered by the loss of their mother and the circumstances surrounding her passing.
In a moment of compassion, Judge Vanessa Francis chose to sentence Jones to six months’ imprisonment suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to perform 150 hours of unpaid work, pay £150 in costs, and face a 15-month driving disqualification. The judge acknowledged the immeasurable loss suffered by Ms. Diplock’s family and the wider community, emphasising the enduring impact of her absence.
As the family continues to navigate their grief and seek closure, the memory of Sandra Diplock serves as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of life and the consequences of careless actions on the road. The tragic incident underscores the importance of road safety and the imperative for drivers to remain vigilant and attentive while behind the wheel, to prevent such devastating outcomes in the future.