Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Bristol Trial Opens in Flyover Death as Driver Cites Epileptic Seizure

Jurors must decide if a seizure left the driver unable to control the car.

Overview

  • The case, which opened Monday at Bristol Crown Court, centers on Fiona Hodge’s not guilty plea on grounds of insanity, a legal term the defence says covers epilepsy.
  • Prosecutors argue she drove without proper care and point to negative drink and drug tests and her on‑scene denial that she had a medical episode or lost consciousness.
  • Donna Crossman, who was walking to a Take That concert with two friends, was struck, knocked over the flyover wall onto a BMX track below, and later died of her injuries.
  • Two women driving behind told police the red Citroën kept swerving into the bus lane before it mounted the kerb, and their accounts were shown to the jury on a police body‑worn video.
  • Hodge’s passengers said they noticed no issues until the car suddenly drifted left onto the pavement, and one recalled Hodge saying, “Oh God, I think I’ve killed someone,” with a defence epilepsy expert due Tuesday.