Woman jailed for waving cyclist into path of a car can appeal conviction
A DISABLED pedestrian jailed for causing a cyclist’s death in a row over using the pavement has been released on bail after winning the right to challenge her manslaughter conviction.
Auriol Grey, 50, was sentenced to three years in March 2023 after waving aggressively at retired midwife Celia Ward, 77, who fell into the path of an oncoming car in Huntingdon, Cambs, in 2020.
Grey, who has cerebral palsy and is partially blind, lost an appeal against her sentence in May last year but has since instructed new lawyers who took her case to the Appeal Court in London.
Home
Now Grey has been freed from HMP Peterborough pending her appeal and yesterday politely declined to answer any questions.
But close friend Roman Ramsay said: “We are so pleased to have Auriol back home. She should never have been in prison in the first place. She is happy to be granted bail.”
Mr Ramsey, 78, added that Grey was “pleased and relieved” at the prospect of her name being cleared if her appeal is successful, and had told friends: “I’m not a killer!”
Grey returned to her adapted flat in a gated complex in Huntingdon.
Neighbour Robert Reed added: “I welcomed her home and we had a brief hug before she went off to the Aldi store to buy bits and bobs.
“One of our friends had picked her up from jail and we are all so happy to have her back. She is in good spirits and is thrilled to be home.”
A spokesman for the Criminal Appeal Office said: “Auriol Grey has been granted unconditional bail pending her appeal against conviction.
“She has been released from custody. The appeal will be listed for hearing in May 2024.”
Ben Rose, representing Grey, said: “Auriol Grey is an autistic, disabled person with impaired vision. The prosecution is required to prove to the jury that she intended to cause Mrs Ward harm, or fear of harm. We say this did not happen.”