Family forgives elderly driver after accident left tourist fighting for her life in Liverpool.
The family says they “hold no grudges.” Jones, a retired driver, was shopping for A5 paper for his wife. He attempted a three-point turn.
His car sped backwards and hit Maria Oginska, a pedestrian. The car crashed into the Royal Court Theatre. Medics performed CPR on Maria as her cousin watched in horror.
Jones had parked on double yellow lines on October 29, 2023. He visited a shop in St Johns Centre and returned to his car later.
Peter Hussey described the incident in court. Maria was walking with relatives when Jones hit the accelerator hard, causing his car to move very fast. The car smashed through bollards and entered a pedestrian area at speed.
Maria was carried on the car’s bonnet before being trapped underneath it. A relative tried to save her, but the car hit him, too. Another pedestrian ran to avoid the car and narrowly escaped injury.
Maria’s cousin was horrified and ran to help Maria under the car. Maria’s relative fainted from chest pain. Staff from the theater and bar helped.
Police arrived and lifted the car, freeing Maria Oginska. CPR was then administered. Her cousin thought Maria would die, but Maria screamed, showing she was alive, despite being seriously injured.
Maria stayed in the hospital for a long time, suffering fractures to her spine and ribs. Her lungs collapsed, and she needed blood transfusions and operations. Her injuries were grave.
Maria’s relative didn’t break ribs, and a scan showed no serious injury, though he experienced bruising and pain for months. Maria’s cousin had PTSD and cared for them both.
The family addressed Jones in court, stating they felt no anger and understood it was an accident. They sympathized with his situation and wished it never happened.
Jones said he hit the accelerator because his foot slipped. He had no prior convictions on his record. The defense lawyer called it a tragedy, noting the victims were unprepared. It was fortunate Maria didn’t die, thanks to hospital staff.
The defense apologized to the victims for Jones and described Jones’ good character. He had a clean driving record with one minor incident years ago.
Jones wanted paper for his wife and parked illegally to get it. He pressed the wrong pedal, causing the accident.
Jones admitted causing serious injury. The judge suspended his sentence and ordered court costs and a surcharge. The judge called the case tragic, noting Jones seemed not very youthful. The judge said he parked illegally, but that didn’t directly cause the accident.
Turning the car required care, but Jones pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. He reversed fast and hit the pedestrians. All three pedestrians suffered injuries, with Maria’s injuries being the most serious.
She stopped breathing and was resuscitated, leading to fears she had died. The judge accepted Jones didn’t intend harm and called it an avoidable mistake. Drivers have significant responsibilities, and he wondered if Jones should continue driving.
His wife has health problems, and they live alone, potentially leading a solitary life. Losing his license will be difficult. The judge thinks Jones is remorseful, accepts responsibility, and feels regret. These cases involve lapses in concentration, but the consequences were profound.
Jones was banned from driving for three years. He must pass an extended test to drive again. The judge hoped he’d never drive again. Jones won’t retake the test and surrendered his license. His driving career is over due to the accident.