Man jailed for killing retired NHS worker in crash

Helen Klich, 67, died in the crash just six days after she retired from the NHS, her family said

A man has been jailed for killing a grandmother in a crash less than a week after she retired from the NHS.

Helen Klich, 67, was in the passenger seat of a Kia when she died in the crash caused by Stephen Smart, driving a BMW, on the A5 near Lichfield on 21 December 2023.

The driver of the Kia, a man in his 70s, was also taken to hospital after he was hurt in the crash, Staffordshire Police said.

Smart, of Scotia Road in Cannock, Staffordshire, was jailed for 14 years and 10 months at Stafford Crown Court on Friday.

He was also disqualified from driving for 15 years and eight months.

The 33-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving on Tuesday at the court.

In a tribute released shortly after Ms Klich's death, her family described her as a "kind and compassionate" wife, sister, mother and grandmother, as well as a "dear friend to many".

They said she worked for the NHS for more than 25 years and had retired just six days before her death.

"She greatly enjoyed singing and was chair of the Lichfield Kaleidoscope Choir," her family added.

"She was taken too soon and is missed so dearly."