Driver caused woman's death by failing to give way

Cyrus Bailey pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving

A 20-year-old man has been given a suspended sentence for causing a woman's death when he failed to give way at a junction.

Cyrus Bailey, of Loders in Dorset, was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison - suspended for 12 months - at Yeovil Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The court heard Christine Ibbotson, who was in her 80s, was driving on the B3151 in Yeovilton at about 12:30 BST on 12 May 2024 when Bailey drove into the side of her car.

She suffered "catastrophic" injuries and died in hospital three days later.

Bailey's vehicle hit Ms Ibbotson's car after he failed to give way coming from Stockwitch Lane

Bailey, 20, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving last month.

His actions were described in court as "more than a momentary lapse of concentration", with 'give way' signs clearly visible before the junction.

As well as the suspended jail term, he was disqualified for driving for two years

'My living nightmare'

Ahead of his sentencing, victim personal statements written by Christine's daughters were read to the court.

"I miss mum every day - her smile, her laughter, sense of humour, and most of all, her love," one said.

"There is such a void in our lives that will never be filled. I find it hard to fall asleep most nights.

"In the morning for a few seconds it's like it was all a bad dream, then reality hits and my living nightmare begins all over again."

Christine Ibbotson's daughters said they felt "robbed" by her death

Her other daughter said: "The sudden and violent nature of the crash and my Mum's ultimate death is constantly with me, and no doubt will be for a very long time to come.

"Her life was dramatically cut short through this incident, which has left part of me numb and profoundly sad and upset at the way she was taken from us so prematurely."