THE FAMILY of a woman killed in a crash in Christchurch have said they will be “forever heartbroken” after the driver involved was sentenced at court.

Jill Crisp, 79, died after she was involved in a crash with a Mercedes Sprinter dropside van in Airfield Way on Thursday, January 13, last year.

Brian Martindale, aged 57 and of Northey Road in Bournemouth, was sentenced at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Monday, March 6, after admitting a charge of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

Martindale was made the subject of a community order, with a requirement to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £95.

Martindale’s guilty plea was taken into account by the court when his sentence was imposed.

Mrs Crisp had been on foot at the time of the incident and was treated for serious injuries by paramedics but died at the scene.

Witnesses described how Mrs Crisp was crossing the road when the van, being driven by Martindale, pulled out into the road and into her path.

The family of Jill Crisp said in a statement following the hearing: “She was kind, selfless, always putting others before her own needs/wants.

“She was integral to our family and her family was so important to her. She was such an amazing role model, our real life superhero who held us all together. She is so missed, we will be forever heartbroken.”

Martindale was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Disqualification is obligatory for the offence, while Martindale’s previous driving record was endorsed.

Sergeant Jay Griffin, of the traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Jill Crisp and clearly no sentence will ever compensate for the loss they have endured.

“This case is another tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of even a momentary lapse in concentration when behind the wheel of a vehicle and I hope it serves as a reminder to motorists of the need to drive carefully and considerately at all times.”