Driver Convicted in Pedestrian Fatality
A woman has been found guilty of causing the death of a pedestrian who was on her way to attend a Take That concert.
Fiona Hodge, 69, from St Werburgh's, Bristol, had denied responsibility for the death of 53-year-old Donna Crossman. Donna was struck by Hodge's car and died while walking to the concert at Bristol's Ashton Gate Stadium in June 2024.
At Bristol Crown Court, Hodge stated she had "no recollection" of the moments leading up to the collision. Following the incident, neurologists diagnosed her with epilepsy.
On Monday, a jury found Hodge guilty of causing death by careless driving. Sentencing will take place at a later date.
Judge Peter Blair KC commented on the case, saying:
"It was an enormously sad and tragic case for everyone involved."
He also expressed gratitude to the Crossman family for their dignity throughout the proceedings.
Details of the Incident
Prosecutor Adam Vaitilingham KC informed the court that Donna, originally from Bridgend in Wales, was crossing Brunel Way on 9 June with two friends en route to the concert at Ashton Gate Stadium.
Hodge was driving a red Citroen with two friends in the vehicle after spending the day walking in the Mendips.
The vehicle mounted the pavement, narrowly missing Donna's two friends, and caused Donna to be propelled over the roadside railings, the court heard.
Donna's family arrived in Bristol around 22:30 BST, and she passed away at approximately midnight.
Tributes from Family
Donna's father, Steve Price, described his daughter, who served in the RAF for over twenty years, as "perfect" and "adventurous."
He said:
"She was wonderful, so caring, so loving... I know everybody says that about their kids, but she really was.
She had a good life, she put a lot in, but she had so much more to give.
Her circle of friends is massive and it's affecting everyone."
Defense and Medical Evidence
Defence counsel Ian Bridge suggested the collision likely occurred because Hodge was experiencing an undiagnosed condition called epilepsy.
Prosecutor Vaitilingham noted that prior to the crash, Hodge had "never had a seizure before."
Bridge added that since the accident, Hodge has been formally diagnosed with epilepsy.
Additional Information
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