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Driver Jailed for One Year Over Fatal Bristol Pavement Crash

The sentence follows a jury verdict that rejected a medical seizure defence and leaves the conviction subject to an appeal.

Overview

  • Bristol Crown Court sentenced Fiona Hodge to one year in prison, banned her from driving for two and a half years, and ordered her to pay more than £3,000 in costs on June 16, 2026.
  • The crash occurred on June 9, 2024 when Hodge’s red Citroen left the A370 Brunel Way, mounted the pavement and fatally struck 53-year-old Donna Crossman as she walked to a Take That concert.
  • At trial an epilepsy specialist testified it was likely Hodge suffered an undiagnosed complex partial seizure, but the jury concluded on the balance of probabilities that she was not having a seizure when the car mounted the pavement.
  • Crossman’s parents said the sentence brought a conclusion to their two-year fight for justice and allowed them to begin to grieve, and the investigating officer said the term reflected the seriousness of the collision.
  • Hodge has lodged an appeal against her conviction, so the legal outcome could be revisited and may re-examine the expert medical evidence that divided jurors.