A SPEEDING driver killed who killed a 92-year-old grandmother walked free from court today after being handed a two-year community order.

Jack Somers was blinded by the sun but took his foot off the accelerator instead of using his brakes to slow down, Southampton Crown Court was told.

Paula White was crossing Bassett Green Road on November 6 2020, when she was struck and fatally injured by Somers's Ford Focus.

Mrs White, of Bassett Green Court, was rushed to hospital but died two days later.

READ MORE: Mum hits out at cars going wrong way down one-way road

Siobhan Linsley, prosecuting, said Somers was travelling at 34mph in a 30mph zone when he was dazzled by the sun and pulled down the car's visor.

She added: "He didn't brake but took his foot off the accelerator."

A victim impact statement written by Mrs White's son Gary was read to the court. He said: "She did not deserve to die in this way. I know death is a natural process but this was by no means natural."

Somers, 25, of Northwood Close, Southampton, had previously pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.

Alex Stein, mitigating, said his client wished to apologise for the "hurt and pain" he had caused Mrs White's family.

READ MORE: Drivers used roads like 'racetrack' before ploughing into cyclist

He added: "Rather tragically he was driving too fast for the conditions. He wishes he had slowed down. He is a relatively inexperienced driver who was confronted by difficult driving conditions.

"He is a hard-working man who is a credit to his family. His character is exemplary."

Judge Christopher Parker KC said: "You were blinded by the low sun. You decelerated but without significant effect. Before you knew it you struck Mrs White.

READ MORE: Teenager jailed for dragging officer down road on motorbike

"Had you been driving more slowly or braked more sharply she would probably not have been struck or, if she had been she might not have been killed.

"You were driving too fast and when you were dazzled, failed to take steps immediately. Your inattention was momentary.

"It is evident you have been remorseful from the very moment this collision occurred."

Somers was ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work and has been banned from driving for 15 months.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook