The family of a 90-year-old woman has spoken out after a mum-of-two has today been found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.
Joan Woodier was on the phone to her son when the van crashed into her front wall and the house collapsed , burying her in rubble.
Tracy Bibby denied being the driver of the vehicle, but was convicted by a jury at Bristol Crown Court, on May 20.
Police footage taken after the smash shows a shaky Bibby denying she was behind the wheel.
The hearing was told, the 35-year-old was banned from driving at the time she steered a Ford Transit into Mrs Woodier’s house on Yeolands Drive, Clevedon at around 8.30pm on 18 April last year.
The jury heard, Bibby had been at The Crab Apple pub moments before the incident.
This is why police closed the A38 in both directions today
CCTV captured at the pub shows Bibby stepping 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.
In her defence, Bibby claimed she had switched places with one of the other three passengers in the vehicle after driving away from the pub and that she wasn’t responsible for the crash.
Several of Mrs Woodier’s neighbours came out of their homes after hearing the crash.
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 those 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.
In a statement realised through police following the court case, 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.
Wanted drug dealer found in Poland after six month manhunt
“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.”
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.”
