Three years for killing ‘is paltry’

Nov 30 2007 by Sam Wood, The Journal

THE family of a grandmother who was killed by a texting teenage driver reacted with disbelief and anger after her sentence was reduced yesterday.

Rachel Begg, of Whinbank, Ponteland, who was 19 at the time of the offence, hit Maureen Waites at 70mph while texting on the phone.

Her sentence of four years was slashed by 12 months by the Court of Appeal in London.

After hearing the decision, Mrs Waites’ family expressed dismay. Daughter Helen Adams said: “We as a family are very disappointed that the sentence imposed on Rachel Begg has been reduced today.

“Three years is a paltry sentence and does not reflect the loss of life taken in such horrific circumstances.

“Our mother died as a result of Rachel Begg’s dangerous driving, something which she denied throughout the investigation and lied to police about. She only pleaded guilty to the offence because of the overwhelming evidence against her. She has never shown remorse or offered any apology. This was not an isolated use of a mobile phone, but sustained, prolonged and continuous use. It was blatant disregard for other road users.”

Begg was present for the ruling given by Lord Justice Laws, Mr Justice Lloyd Jones and Sir Michael Astill.

The former bank clerk admitted causing death by dangerous driving and was originally sentenced to four years by Newcastle Crown Court last July.

The court heard she had used her mobile nine times in a 15-minute journey last November before she drove into 64-year-old self-employed hairdresser Mrs Waites’ car. The mother of two, of Wingate, County Durham, was on the way to pick up her sister at Newcastle Airport.