Jail for driver who claimed epilepsy caused fatal crash

Fiona Hodge has been jailed for one year for causing the death of Donna Crossman by careless driving in Bristol. The sentence includes a two-and-a-half-year driving ban and over £3,000 in costs. The accident, in June 2024, on the A370 Brunel Way, occurred when her Citroën exited the road and struck Crossman during a walk toward a Take That concert.

An epilepsy expert testified that Hodge may have suffered an undiagnosed seizure at the time. The jury found her guilty on probabilistic grounds. Outside court, Donna Crossman’s parents described the sentence as a measure of accountability, while the investigating officer said the sentence reflects the seriousness of the consequences.