Family tribute to 'real life superhero' Jill as driver sentenced for causing her death in Christchurch collision
“OUR real life superhero.”
This was how a family described a Christchurch pensioner killed in a collision with a lorry as the driver was sentenced.
The tribute to Jill Crisp (79) came after Brian Martindale was banned from the roads for 12 months having admitted at Poole Magistrates’ Court to causing her death by driving without due care and attention.
Police responded to an incident involving a Mercedes Sprinter dropside lorry and a pedestrian in Airfield Way around 11.40am on 13th January 2022.
Retired personal assistant Mrs Crisp, of Wellington Avenue, was treated by paramedics for serious injuries but died at the scene.
Witnesses had told how she was crossing the road when the lorry, driven by Martindale (57), of Northey Road, Bournemouth, pulled out into the road and into her path.
An inquest opened at Bournemouth Coroners’ Court heard a post-mortem examination found Mrs Crisp suffered trunk and leg injuries.
As well as the disqualification, Martindale was handed a 12-month community order, requiring him to complete 100 hours of unpaid community work. He was also told to pay £180 in court charges.
In a statement released through Dorset Police, Mrs Crisp’s family celebrated a “kind, selfless” woman.
“She was integral to our family and her family was so important to her,” they said.
“She was such an amazing role model, our real life superhero who held us all together.
“She is so missed, we will be forever heartbroken.”
Responding to the court outcome, Sgt Jay Griffin, of Dorset’s traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Jill Crisp and clearly no sentence will ever compensate for the loss they have endured.
“This case is another tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of even a momentary lapse in concentration when behind the wheel of a vehicle and I hope it serves as a reminder to motorists of the need to drive carefully and considerately at all times.”
