9-MONTH DRIVING BAN FOR WOMAN WHO CRASHED INTO PICK-UP AND FLED SCENE

A Newport woman who crashed into a pick-up containing a family of 4 – before fleeing the scene – has been banned from driving for 9-months. Lois Southgate, of Whitecroft Park in Newport, admitted driving without due care and attention and failing to stop after a road accident when she appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court today (Tuesday). At just before 18:30 on the 2nd February, a Toyota Hilux with a family of 4 inside were travelling towards Arreton from Newport when a black car – an Audi Q3 driven by Southgate – pulled out of Merstone Lane, turning left towards Newport. As the Audi made the turn, the vehicle went across onto the other side of the road. Despite the best efforts of the driver to avoid a collision, the offending car crashed into the rear of their pick-up – ripping the rear axle and prop shaft from the chassis. The driver – unable to move the vehicle – got out of the Japanese motor to see if Southgate was going to stop, but she drove off without stopping. With their car a write off, and no idea who had caused the damage, a social media post – published exclusively by Island Echo – sought the help of the public in identifying the vehicle. Liz Miller, prosecuting, told the court that the location of the car was very quickly ascertained, but it wasn’t until a few days later that Police went and questioned the 62-year-old Isle of Wight Council Employee. Defending Southgate, Neil Davies said that the standards showed by his client were well below that of a competent and careful driver and that despite knowing she had caused serious damages to the vehicle, Southgate experienced a ‘meltdown’ and ‘panicked’. Magistrates handed Southgate a £735 fine and £85 costs. She was also ordered to pay a £294 surcharge fee and banned from driving for 9 months.