BARBARA Roe from Ludgershall has been handed a five-year prison sentence after she crashed a car while overtaking on a blind bend, causing her nine-year-old son to die.

39-year-old Roe was sentenced today (May 2) at Bournemouth Crown Court after previously admitting an offence of causing death by dangerous driving.

This comes following a crash between a grey Citroen DS9, a white Ford Transit van and a DAF cattle transporter truck and trailer before 5.21pm on March 25, 2024 on the A354 near East Woodyates in North Dorset.

Witnesses said Roe, who was driving the Citroen, was travelling at speed and attempted to overtake other vehicles prior to the crash with her son Zac as a passenger.

Roe attempted to overtake the Ford Transit as she approached a blind left-hand bend, crossing the solid white line marking in the middle of the road.

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She crashed into the cattle transporter travelling the opposite direction as she rounded the bend.

Members of the public stepped in to give first aid, but Zac was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Roe was charged following an investigation by the serious collision investigation team (SCIT)and subsequently sentenced to five years in prison. She was also disqualified from driving for a period of seven and a half years.

PC Gavin Newbury, of SCIT said: “This tragic case is the cruellest of reminders of the truly devastating consequences that sadly occur when motorists drive in a dangerous or reckless manner.

“Our thoughts are absolutely with Zac’s loved ones, who have been supported by specially trained officers throughout.

“While we fully appreciate nothing will ever make up for their loss, our role has been to diligently investigate the circumstances of this collision and bring the evidence before the courts to allow the justice process to follow its course.”

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