Paramedic avoids jail over colleague's death

Alice Clark, 21, died in the crash on the A21 near Tonbridge, Kent

A paramedic who pleaded guilty to causing the death of his colleague in a crash has avoided jail.

Alice Clark, 21, died when the ambulance they were travelling in crashed into a cement lorry on the A21 near Tonbridge, Kent, on 5 Jan 2022.

In January, Edward Riding, 45, of Kemps Farm Road, Crowborough, admitted causing her death by careless and inconsiderate driving.

Riding was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months, at a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday.

Three other people were hurt in the crash.

The ambulance was on its way to an incident and no patients were in the vehicle at the time, according to the South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb).

Det Con Claire Fullagar, from Kent Police, said Ms Clark had only recently started her job as a qualified paramedic at the time of the crash.

Ms Clark suffered catastrophic injuries, she said.

"A vehicle driven carelessly is a dangerous and deadly weapon," Ms Fullagar added.

A Secamb spokesperson said: "We welcome the conclusion of the court case but understand that it is a very difficult time for all those affected."

The service said it would "ensure support is available" to any colleagues who required it.