A PENSIONER died after suffering “catastrophic” injuries when an elderly driver hit the accelerator of her Rover, rather than the brake, causing the vehicle to overturn.

Avril Hockley’s vehicle knocked over shop signs along Whitefield Road, New Milton, before eventually crashing into a telegraph pole and rolling over. Hazel Nash, who was on foot, was fatally injured in the collision, which happened on November 1, 2016.

Hockley, 79, believed she was slowing the car down to give way to oncoming traffic. However, she had in fact accelerated at such a speed a witness believed the car must have been stolen.

Hockley appeared at Southampton Crown Court yesterday to be sentenced after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.

Prosecutor Jane Terry said Hockley had pulled up near Lloyds Bank at around 1.45pm on the day of the crash. As she went to drive away, she pressed what she believed was the brake, but was in fact the accelerator.

Mrs Nash, who was 89, was taken to hospital in a critical condition after the collision. Doctors described her injuries as “catastrophic” and “unsurvivable” and she later died.

Hockley also suffered fractures to eight ribs and bleeding on the brain during the crash.

The court heard a condition called ‘sudden unintended acceleration syndrome’ can appear in older drivers. Motorists are convinced they are carrying out the correct manoeuvre, even when they are not.

A victim impact statement written by Mrs Nash's son Geoffrey was read aloud to the court.

In it, he said his mother was killed while walking to her curling club.

"She was so well-loved by so many people, and we have been deprived of more memories with her," he said.

Jason Taylor, mitigating, said Hockley’s driving licence had previously been clean. She has since handed in her licence and says she will “never drive again”, it was heard.

Mr Taylor recounted her interview with police, during which she told officers: “I am so sorry to the family.

“I think about her and her family every day.

"Although I do not remember what happened, I think about it.

"I'm aware of the pain and fear I have caused."

Mr Taylor said: "It is quite clear that this was a momentary error."

Hockley, of St Thomas Park in Lymington, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. She was also disqualified from driving for three years, and will have to take an extended retest should she wish to be issued with a licence in the future.