Driver who killed Take That fan to be released

A 69-year-old driver who killed a woman who was walking to a Take That concert will be released from prison after she successfully appealed against her sentence.

Fiona Hodge was found guilty of causing death by careless driving by a jury at Bristol Crown Court in April after she struck 53-year-old Donna Crossman, who was walking to the gig at Ashton Gate stadium in June 2024.

During the trial, Hodge said she had no recollection of the Brunel Way crash. She has since been diagnosed with epilepsy.

Hodge, from St Werburghs in Bristol, was jailed for one year but appealed her sentence and has instead been handed a one-year prison term, suspended for two years.

Hodge's driving ban was also reduced by six months, to two years, after which she must take an extended driving test.

She is still required to pay more than £3,000 in legal fees.

During the trial, Ian Bridge, defending, said it was likely the crash was caused by Hodge suffering a medical episode.

The jury heard she had never had a seizure before and she denied suffering or knowing of any medical conditions when questioned by police officers at the scene.

She had told them: "I don't know how I lost my concentration or mounted the pavement. I can't account for what happened [...] It was a very nasty accident."

The appeal hearing was told that on the day of the crash, Hodge had been walking in the Mendip Hills with two friends.

Her friends - who were in the car at the time of the incident - described her as "invigorated" and observed a sense of "normality" in her mood and driving.

They also reported "no head drop, no sleeping, or no nodding off" from Hodge.

During the trial, the jury rejected the suggestion Hodge was suffering from undiagnosed epilepsy and a seizure had led to the crash.

Hodge was also criticised for giving inconsistent evidence in the trial.

When questioned about the differing accounts, she had said: "At the time I could not relay the experience of having no recollection of mounting that kerb.

"I couldn't relay my inability to explain those circumstances without being what I would call unconscious or being unwell. I could not."

Earlier, the court was told: "In a complex partial seizure, there is a lapse of memory, whereas if one falls asleep at the wheel, one would know."

Her barrister described the incident as "tragic".

Hodge appeared at the appeal hearing via video link from HMP Eastwood Park in South Gloucestershire.

When her appeal was granted, the judge told her: "If you commit any further offences during the course of the suspension, you will be liable to imprisonment."

After the collision, Crossman's father Steve Price paid tribute to his "perfect" and "adventurous" daughter.

Crossman, from Bridgend in Wales, had served in the RAF for 19 years.

She later went on to work for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and was a team manager for the Wales Women's Rugby Team and Welsh Netball Team.

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