Retired GP, 79, slams £246 fine and five penalty points for driver who left her with life-changing injuries when he knocked her down

• Dr Hilary Andrews, 79, says she is lucky to be alive after being hit while crossing 
• Grandmother-of-eight was hospitalised for three weeks following the accident 
• Retired consultant said her life was completely changed following the crash 

A retired GP who suffered life-changing injuries after being hit by a car has slammed the driver’s sentence – after he was given just a £246 fine and five penalty points.

Dr Hilary Andrews, 79, said she is lucky to be alive after being hit while crossing a road on her way to the first of a series of amateur plays in which she was set to star.

She suffered a catalogue of horrific injuries including a fractured skull, collarbone, cheekbone, ankle and arm.

The grandmother-of-eight was hospitalised for three weeks following the accident on June 20, 2018, and underwent surgery to insert steel plates in her lower right arm – which has been left deformed.

The retired doctor who suffered life-changing injuries when she was struck by a car has slammed the driver’s ‘pathetic’ sentence

The retired consultant said her life had been completely changed following the shocking crash and her retirement has now been ruined.

Dr Andrews can no longer drive, prepare food or even do her own hair due to the long-term after effects of the crash.

Despite her significant injuries, the 23-year-old driver was given just a £246 fine plus £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge at Bradford Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to driving without due care and attention.

Despite her significant injuries, the 23-year-old driver was given just a £246 fine

Dr Andrews underwent surgery to insert steel plates in her lower right arm – which has been left deformed

He was also given five penalty points on his driving licence at the sentencing on May 13.

Mother-of-three Dr Andrews, from Leeds, West Yorks., is convinced older victims don’t get a fair deal and her case was just a box-ticking exercise for police.

She said: ‘I’m a totally different person to what I was before he knocked me down. To find out he got just five penalty points is heartbreaking.

A skin graft used to repair the skin on retired doctor Hilary Andrews’ arm

‘He should have been given much more than that for the injuries he caused and the way he has ruined my life.

‘I feel very strongly the sentencing is not commensurate with the injuries this chap caused. I’m very lucky to be alive.

‘I was beside myself when I found out. I couldn’t believe it. You would get six points for using your phone in a car, he has got less than that.

‘He should have been given much more than that for the injuries he caused and the way he has ruined my life,’ the victim – pictured in hospital – said

‘I am quite convinced it is due to my age, it is so frustrating. I believe they charged and sentenced him very quickly to tick their boxes.’

Dr Andrews said she was only ever visited once by an officer and was never given a liaison officer or kept informed of the hearing.

She was hospitalised following the accident at around 9.30am after suffering a catalogue of horrific fractures.

Dr Andrews also suffered a lacerated liver and was left traumatised and continues to see a psychologist.

She had surgery to insert steel plates in her lower right arm – which has been left deformed – and has to have regular physiotherapy.

‘I can’t drive, which has really reduced my life quality because my children live in different parts of the country,’ Dr Andrews added 

Her broken collar bone has not healed properly and she may have to undergo further surgery.

Dr Andrews said the injury to her right arm means she has difficulty with basic tasks including brushing and washing her hair and cutting her food.

She said: ‘I can’t use my right arm properly so it makes everything difficult. The list of what I can’t do is endless.

‘I can’t drive, which has really reduced my life quality because my children live in different parts of the country.’

Chief Inspector Lisa Kirkland, West Yorkshire Police’s head of roads policing, said: ‘We recognise that Dr Andrews received life-changing injuries in this road traffic collision and we don’t underestimate the traumatic effect this will have had on her.

‘The incident was fully investigated and resulted in the driver being charged with driving without due care and attention, which was in keeping with the circumstances.

‘He admitted the offence and was sentenced by the magistrates’ court.’

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