Stairlift chief ’s wife spared jail after fatal crash
THE wife of Stannah Stairlifts’ managing director killed a motorcyclist after hitting him with her Land Rover during the school run, a court heard as she was spared jail and fined £200.
Andrea Stannah, 45, was returning home to Ovington, Hants, after dropping her children off when she failed to spot Steven Rayner and struck him as she pulled across a dual carriageway.
Mr Rayner, a 56-year-old civil engineer, was declared dead at the scene after being sent careering into a tree and a fence, Basingstoke magistrates’ court heard.
The court heard Stannah, who is married to Nicholas Stannah, had to be “dragged away” from Mr Rayner’s prone body as she desperately tried to assist him.
Stannah, who attended court with her husband, admitted a charge of causing death by driving without due care and attention.
It was claimed Mr Rayner’s death was due to her “inattention” at the junction on the A31, less than a mile from her home.
Kerry Richardson, prosecuting, told the court that witnesses driving on the carriageway in July last year braked to avoid Stannah’s green 4x4 as it pulled out into the road, and saw the bike collide with it.
Stannah’s lawyer, Alex Stein, told the court: “[Stannah] is extremely traumatised by these events.
“It’s caused terrible damage to Mr Rayner’s family as well, and she is extremely remorseful.”
Sentencing Stannah to eight weeks in jail suspended for 12 months and ordering her to pay £200, District Judge Timothy Pattinson said: “All cases of causing death by careless driving are tragic.
“This case is particularly tragic, involving the death of a family man with wife and children.”
Speaking after the sentencing, Pc Kelly Hargreaves said: “This case shows how devastating just a few moments of inattention can be when behind the wheel.”