by Dan Bloom

dbloom@thekmgroup.co.uk

A "loyal, loving" grandmother-of-seven from Maidstone who died in a road crash was killed by a careless driver, a court has ruled.

Twenty-year-old David Anning, of The Street, Appledore, pleaded guilty this week to causing the death of 62-year-old Gillian Lowndes on the A262 near Tenterden.

Anning was driving a white Ford Transit van when it hit Mrs Lowndes' gold-coloured car near the Raja of Kent restaurant at around 5.45pm last August 19.

The grandmother of Hereford Road, Shepway, who had worked for Johnsons dry cleaners for 32 years, died in an ambulance on the way to Ashford's William Harvey Hospital.

Mrs Lowndes' son and daughter-in-law were in Ashford Magistrates' Court late on Wednesday as Anning pleaded guilty to causing death by driving without due care or attention.

A full hearing and sentencing were adjourned until Monday because the court had run out of time, said chairman of the bench William Ferrier.

Charlotte Collett, for Anning, said: "The defendant's and the victim's families are both looking for closure. This has been a terrible time for everyone involved."

The offence of causing death by careless driving, which is less serious than causing death by dangerous driving, was introduced in 2006 and can carry up to five years in prison.

Careless driving can include driving too close to the car in front, applying make-up, lighting a cigarette, reading a map or changing a CD.

Evelyn Hawkins, for the Crown Prosecution Service, indicated Anning was unlikely to be jailed but will face a driving ban of at least one year. An interim ban was imposed on Wednesday.

Mrs Lowndes' son said in August: "Gill was a much-loved mum, nanny, daughter, sister and friend. She lived for her family.

"She was a devoted nanny to seven grandchildren aged between eight months and 18 years old. She enjoyed her work and had a lot of time for her work friends.

"Everyone has said 'you couldn't wish to meet a nicer lady, so kind, loving and gentle, with a heart of gold'.

"She has left such a big hole in our lives that no one can ever replace. My mum will be deeply missed by all that knew her."

Full report next week