Home / Crime and Justice / Driver Gets Suspended Sentence for Fatal Car Park Collision
Driver Gets Suspended Sentence for Fatal Car Park Collision
16 Feb
Summary
- An 84-year-old driver received a suspended sentence for a fatal car park incident.
- The pedestrian, 64, suffered a cardiac arrest after being trapped under the car.
- The driver was also banned from driving for 18 months and must retake her test.
An 84-year-old woman has been given a suspended prison sentence for causing the death of a pedestrian. In December 2021, Isobel Dunlop's car struck and trapped Sandra Cooper, 64, in a Ballymoney car park. The court heard victim impact statements detailing the devastating loss to Mrs. Cooper's family.
Sentencing Dunlop at Antrim Crown Court, the judge acknowledged the offense crossed the custodial threshold but suspended the 12-month sentence due to the defendant's clear record, guilty plea, and remorse. Dunlop, who fully cooperated with police, could not explain why she didn't see the deceased.
As part of the sentence, Dunlop received an 18-month driving ban and must retake her driving test. She has expressed no desire to resume driving. The judge thanked the victim's son and daughter for their poignant statements.
