Driver who hit family of four spared jail

A woman has been handed a 12-week suspended prison sentence and banned from driving for a year after hitting a car with a family of four inside.

Zoe Graham's vehicle hit the car of widow Samantha Keen and her three children at about 50mph (80kmh) near Ringmer in East Sussex on 9 August 2023 after overtaking a line of cars and crossing a double white line, Lewes Crown Court heard.

The 38-year-old apologised in court and said she had been late to pick up her kids from school when the crash happened.

Graham, who is the wife of singer Rag'n'Bone Man, previously admitted to causing serious injury by careless driving.

The court heard that Keen pleaded with paramedics not to leave her children orphaned, as she had lost her husband in separate crash a year before.

In a victim statement, Keen said the crash had a "huge impact" on her family and that they moved in with her mother after the incident.

"I have permanent physical and mental difficulties," Keen said.

The court heard Keen had a broken ankle, along with damage to her right hip, leg and ribs as a result of the crash.

Keen also told the court she now has anxiety caused by what she called "ugly scars" on her face and would need medication for the foreseeable future.

"All of this could have been avoided," she said.

At an earlier hearing the court heard she wanted acknowledgment and an apology.

Graham, the wife of singer Rag'n'Bone Man - real name Rory Graham - said she had anxiety and felt the need to get to her son's school on time.

"I've never hurt anybody in my life and I would never," she said.

"I'm a mum and I would never have wanted to put anyone through this."

She was not breaking the speed limit at the time of the crash and Graham told the court she thought there was a break in the double white lines.

Graham was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, and was banned from driving for a year.

Graham, who lives in Heathfield, will have to do seven rehabilitation days.

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