A woman on trial for causing death by careless driving has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, claiming she was suffering an epileptic seizure at the time of the incident.
Fiona Hodge has gone on trial at Bristol Crown Court charged with the offence. In an opening statement at the trial, which commenced on Monday, April 13, counsel for the prosecution suggested that the crash was more likely a result of careless driving.
On June 9, 2024, Ms. Hodge, 69, was driving across a flyover as she returned from a hiking trip in the Mendips. Diana Crossman, 53, and friends Angela Gassom and Clare Smith, who were walking to a Take That concert at Ashton Gate Stadium, were walking single file along the flyover walkway when Hodge’s car mounted the kerb, knocking Ms. Crossman over the railing to her death 20 feet below.
Grace Hansford, driving the car immediately behind Hodge, described the defendant’s driving as erratic. The two friends travelling with Ms. Hodge, however, deny that there was any problem with her driving up to the point of the incident. Ms. Hodge was unaware that she was suffering from epilepsy, but has since the accident been diagnosed with the condition.
If you are being investigated for charges related to careless driving, solicitors with expert knowledge are equipped to give you sound advice based on years of experience and specialist legal knowledge. Contact us at Auriga Advocates today and let us help you plan your defence.