Blackpool mum Kerry Davies spared prison for killing woman in Dickson Road crash

Former resort landlady Ena Ross, 80, was hit by the car while riding her mobility scooter across the pedestrian crossing in Dickson Road on January 13, 2022.

She was taken to hospital but sadly died five days later from her injuries.

Mrs Ross, who lived in Onslow Road, Layton, had been enjoying an early morning shopping trip in town before a Mazda CX-5 car crashed into her on the crossing near the Duke of York pub.

You can see footage of the police response in our video player

The driver was mum of two Kerry Davies, of Collins Avenue, who pleaded guilty to causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

But the 33-year-old was spared prison when she appeared at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday, March 29).

Instead, she was sentenced to a one year community punishment with 200 hours unpaid work and banned from driving for 18 months.

"This is an utterly tragic case,” said Deputy District Judge Richard Jepson.

“Mrs Ross was a well-loved mother and grandmother. She was quite properly using the crossing.

“There is however no doubt the defendant's vision of her was blocked by a bus coming the other way."

"I have read the letter the defendant has sent to Mrs Ross's family – it is a letter from the heart."

The court heard how Mrs Ross had reached the central point of the crossing when she was hit and flung from her scooter.

The court was shown graphic CCTV footage of the collision which was captured on a bus camera.

Davies stopped immediately and tried to help the pensioner who was bleeding from head injuries.

She was later interviewed by police and passed both drink and drugs tests.

The pensioner’s daughter, Elaine Wheatcroft, submitted a personal impact statement which was read out at court .

She described her mother as the ‘leader’ of her family and a ‘stalwart of her local community’.

Her mother used the scooter to keep herself mobile and independent, she said, and would often venture into town for shopping and swimming trips.

"Even in her final moments in hospital she was thinking of others," said her grieving daughter.

The statement described how Mrs Ross’ family we’re unable to visit her when she was treated at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and later Royal Preston hospital due to Covid restrictions at the time.

They were only allowed at her bedside when she was dying, the judge heard.