An 83-year-old woman has admitted causing the death of her elderly friend following a car crash.

Wateringbury grandmother Rita Cracknell passed away in hospital, almost a fortnight after the collision.

The 79-year-old, from Mill Lane, Wateringbury, was the passenger in a Mazda which hit two parked cars, leaving her with a broken back.

Eileen England this week admitted causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court.

The pensioner, who lives in nearby Upper Mill, had been taking her friend shopping, a trip they made once a week.

She had been driving down Maidstone Road, in Paddock Wood, at around 10am when her vehicle clipped a parked car and spun around. The crash happened in November.

At the time it was thought England had suffered a stroke at the wheel. But Fionagh Green, defending, said the collision was caused by “momentary inattention”.

The court also heard that England had not been wearing her reading glasses, although her doctor said her eyesight could not be blamed. She had been travelling within the speed limit.

Mrs Green said: “It is a very sad and tragic death of a close friend. She has ceased driving altogether and has no wish to drive again. She takes full responsibility.

“She was devastated by the loss of her close friend. She has suffered extreme stress as a result.”

Mrs England, a widow, told the court: “I can’t believe any of what has happened.”

Following Mrs Cracknell’s death, her family said they had been left devastated by their loss, describing her as a woman with a zest for life.

Before retiring she had worked in the fashion industry and spent some 20 years at Eve’s ladies’ boutique in West Malling High Street.

"Clearly this tragic incident will remain with you but it is right that you are punished" - chairman of bench, Trevor Perkins

She had lived in the village for several decades and was a member of the Wateringbury Local History Society.

Mrs Cracknell’s health had deteriorated in recent years and her sight had begun to fail, leaving her unable to drive herself and reliant on friends.

England was sentenced to 60 hours’ unpaid work and disqualified for a year. She must take a further test if she wants to regain her licence. She must also pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Chairman of the bench Trevor Perkins said: “Clearly this tragic incident will remain with you but it is right that you are punished.”