Nottinghamshire driver who mounted pavement killing great-grandmother jailed

Susan Wagstaff's family described her as "caring and kind", who will be "missed forever"

A driver who mounted a pavement with his van killing a 65-year-old great-grandmother has been jailed.

Susan Wagstaff was found seriously hurt near a damaged garden fence in Newlands Road, in Forest Town, Nottinghamshire, on 26 September 2021.

Police said Martin Illic's Citroen Berlingo mounted the pavement and hit her as she walked home from work.

Illic, 38, admitted causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to six years in prison.

Martin Illic admitted killing the 65-year-old at a court hearing earlier this month

Nottinghamshire Police said Ms Wagstaff was pronounced dead shortly after paramedics arrived at about 22:10 BST.

Illic, of St Leonards Way in Forest Town, fled the scene, crashing into several parked vehicles before leaving the damaged van close to his home in a nearby street, the force said.

Officers arrested Illic after finding him still drunk and asleep in bed later that night.

After being breathalysed, he was found to be three times over the drink-drive limit.

Police said during interviews he initially denied drink-driving and claimed he had no knowledge of the crash, however he admitted the offence at a court hearing on 01 November.

'Missed forever'

After sentencing, in a statement Ms Wagstaff's family said: "Susan Wagstaff, our caring, kind mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and daughter was taken away from us far too early.

"Her absence is and will be missed forever by all the family.

"Hopefully we get some justice that you deserve."

They had previously said she loved and adored each family member - including her six children, 21 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Det Con Emma Temple, from the force's serious collision investigation unit, said: "The devastating impact of Illic's drink-driving will be felt by Susan's loved ones for the rest of their lives.

"Our thoughts remain with her family and friends.

"This collision could have been avoided had Illic shown any respect for the law and other road users and made the responsible decision not to drive after drinking excessive amounts of alcohol."

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, Illic was also banned from driving for eight years and told he would need to sit an extended test to regain his licence.