NEWS UPDATE – 23-year-old jailed for six months for causing death by careless driving!

NEWS UPDATE – 23-year-old jailed for six months for causing death by dangerous driving!

A 23-year-old woman has been jailed for six months for causing death by careless driving after being distracted by her mobile phone at the wheel.

Gemma Elizabeth Evans, aged 23, of Brecon, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today (October 5) at Merthyr Crown Court. She had previously been found not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

Evans had been driving along the A40 at Llanspyddid, Brecon, at around 7.30am on Friday, December 9, 2016, when her black BMW Mini collided with a green Rover 25.

The Rover was being driven by 58-year-old Diana Price, of Brecon, who died as a result of the collision.

Evidence was accepted that Evans had interacted with her mobile phone during the journey leading to the collision.

She was sentenced to six months in prison, as well as a three year and three month driving ban. She will also have to undertake an extended driving test.

Sergeant Ian Price, senior investigating officer said:

“Let there be no mistake in that the lesser charge of causing death by careless driving is a serious matter and through the inattention of Gemma Evans that day, the life of Diana Price was needlessly taken away, leaving a family without a daughter, wife, sister and mother.

“Using a hand-held mobile phone when driving is, in itself, an unlawful act.

“The fact that Miss Evans was avoidably distracted by her mobile phone when she lost control of her car, resulting in the death of Mrs Price emphasises the importance of switching your mobile phone off at the start of your journey. Research has shown that looking at your phone – even for just a second or two – while driving produces the same level of distraction as drunk driving.

“It is a sad reflection that many in society do not see this crime as socially unacceptable, and it concerns me as a police officer that more and more people are paying the ultimate sacrifice due to the obsessive addiction within society to their mobile phones.

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Mrs Price who have shown a great deal of dignity through this difficult time.”