Hit and Run Driver handed 13-year Prison Sentence

21st June 2019

The family of a woman killed when she was involved in a hit and run accident with a car as she walked along Station Road in Staniforth, Doncaster, two years ago have today spoken of their relief after the driver of the car was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

Susan Gravel, 62, had been crossing a road on a pedestrian crossing when she was hit by the BMW being driven by Jerry Smith - who left the scene of the accident - on Saturday, March 11, 2017.

Following the ordeal, her heartbroken family instructed specialist Personal Injury Solicitors at Simpson Millar to represent them throughout their battle for justice, and last week they welcomed the verdict which followed a five-day hearing at Sheffield Crown Court.

Commenting on the outcome of the Trial Claire Gravel, Susan’s daughter said, “She was a loving mum and sister, and a wonderful grandmother. She did not deserve to die in such horrendous circumstances.

“We were heartbroken when she died, and we still feel the impact of that loss every single day.

“The verdict which has been delivered today will bring us much comfort, and we are relieved that justice will now be done and that we can, finally, put mum to rest in peace.”

Rose Gibson, Solicitor at Simpson Millar, who represents families affected by catastrophic injuries and fatalities caused by road traffic accidents said, “The past two years have been torturous for the Gravel family, during which they have been desperate for answers as to what could, and should, have been done to prevent Susan’s death.

“Day-after-day we see first-hand the devastating impact that dangerous driving has on peoples’ lives, and we only hope that the sentence handed down at Sheffield Crown Court today will serve to remind anyone who is less than careful on the roads that it can have serious consequences.”