Unlicensed driver jailed for killing woman, 82

Jean Hindmarch still had a lot of life to give, her daughter said

An unlicensed driver has been jailed for 10 months for hitting and killing an 82-year-old woman with his car.

Jean Hindmarch was rushed to hospital after she was struck by the vehicle on Easedale Gardens in Wrekenton, Gateshead, in December 2023. She died four days later.

Gordon Grieveson was arrested at the scene and found to have had no insurance and only a provisional driving licence.

Mrs Hindmarch's daughter Marisa Dunn said her mum still had "a lot of life to give" and her death had left the family "absolutely devastated".

"As her daughter, I will never be the same person again," Mrs Dunn said.

"Every day it's a struggle to get through the day without her.

"This tragedy has had a huge impact on all her family and friends, especially her grandchildren, and because of someone who should never have been on the road driving in the first place."

Gordon Grieveson was jailed for 10 months for killing Mrs Hindmarch

After his arrest, Grieveson admitted he had been driving illegally but claimed he "could not stop" when Mrs Hindmarch crossed the road.

But CCTV and forensic evidence proved to officers he could have seen Mrs Hindmarch as she had carefully checked the road for hazards and was wearing a bright pink coat.

Grieveson, 57, of Avon Street in Deckham, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving and two counts of causing death while uninsured and unlicensed.

He appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday where he was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment and disqualified from driving for two years and four months.

Sgt Dave Roberts said Grieveson made a "reckless decision" to drive illegally.