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SMS driver goes to jail
20/07/2007 20:41 - (SA)
London - A 19-year-old woman who crashed
her car while sending text messages, killing another woman, was
sentenced to four years in jail on Friday.
Rachel Begg, of Ponteland, admitted sending a text from her
mobile phone shortly before the accident on the A696 near
Newcastle last November.
Grandmother Maureen Waites, 64, from Durham, was driving to
the airport to pick up relatives when Begg crashed into her. She
died from her injuries.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that Begg had used her phone
nine times during a 15-minute journey.
She pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to a charge of
death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to four years in a
young offenders' institute. She was also banned from driving for
five years.
Police Sergeant Ian Dey said: "One family has lost a much
loved wife, mother and grandmother the other has to face the
consequences of a young woman spending four years in a young
offenders' institution.
"Using your mobile while driving is inexcusable and those
who do so are simply not appreciating the consequences of their
actions.
"Simply not answering your phone prevents such tragedies
from happening and you have to think is any call or text worth
putting lives at risk?"
Since February 27, using a mobile phone while driving has
been an endorsable offence, with motorists facing a fine of 60
pounds and three points on their licence.
- Reuters
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