MOTHER SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS FOR FATAL DANGEROUS DRIVING CRASH
Barbara Roe, a 39-year-old woman, has been sentenced to five years in prison for causing the death of her nine-year-old son, Zac Roe, through dangerous driving.Zac was in the passenger seat of a Citroen DS9 hire car driven by her when the crash occurred at approximately 5:20 pm on March 25, 2024, in East Woodyates, Dorset.
The incident involved their vehicle colliding with a van and a cattle transporter, resulting in Zac's death at the scene.
Roe pleaded guilty to causing his death by dangerous driving in March.
During sentencing, Judge Robert Pawson highlighted that Roe's driving was reckless, involving excessive speeds, tailgating, and aggressive overtaking maneuvers, which nearly resulted in another accident earlier that day.
She attempted to avoid a lorry by steering into the bushes, causing her vehicle's passenger side, where Zac was seated, to collide with the lorry, and her car was found 30 meters from the crash site.
The court heard that Roe had recently moved out of the family home, raising concerns from Zac's father about her ability to care for Zac, especially given her bipolar condition.
Witnesses and family members described Zac as a beloved son and 'little angel,' with heartfelt statements expressing grief and remorse.
Roe's actions were described as reckless and dangerous, with the judge noting the absence of remorse and emphasizing that her driving endangered Zac for several minutes.
Roe was also banned from driving for seven and a half years, and the court acknowledged her mental health episode following the incident.
