Isle of Wight driver fled after crashing into family's truck

on Tuesday, April 9, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court, Lois Jane Southgate, of Whitecroft Park, Newport, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, and to failing to stop after a road accident.

Liz Miller, prosecuting, said the 62-year-old pulled out from Merstone junction, onto the A3056, in her Audi Q3, on February 2, 2024.

Southgate took the corner wide, crossing onto the wrong side of the road, said Ms Miller.

A truck carrying a family of four – including two children – was travelling in the opposite direction.

Despite the driver’s best efforts, the two vehicles collided, the court heard.

Ms Miller told the court the impact shunted the truck “sideways and upwards,” damaging the driver’s side, but Southgate continued to drive away, towards Blackwater.

The prosecution said police contacted Southgate several days later, rather than her coming forward, despite viral social media posts identifying her vehicle.

Neil Davies, defending, said his client had travelled to visit her partner in Merstone but could not find him at a horse paddock.

On her return, Southgate made a “misjudgement” while turning around the “slightly awkward bend,” he said.

Mr Davies told the court that, at the time of the incident, Southgate was experiencing a “meltdown” and, in the moment, she panicked.

The court heard Southgate suffers from multiple sclerosis, diagnosed in 2012 and had recently found out some bad news about her condition, causing additional stress.

Mr Davies said Southgate’s details were handed to police by her partner and that he had been liaising with police to “make things right.”

“The best mitigation of Ms Southgate would be that she is a lady of 62 years of age, of impeccable character and a clean driving licence,” Mr Davies said.

Magistrates handed Southgate a £735 fine and ordered her to pay a £294 surcharge and £85 in costs.

Southgate was disqualified from driving for nine months.