A BASINGSTOKE driver who ran a red light and crashed into a dog walker crossing the road has been jailed. 

Marianna Carver was driving a Toyota RAV4 when she jumped the red light and crashed into a pedestrian at 3.45pm on February 18, 2022, near the Kempshott Roundabout.

Clare Morton, 49, was walking home with her dog on a leash when she crossed the road using a toucan pedestrian crossing, when she was hit by 52-year-old Carver. 

Ms Morton suffered life-threatening head injuries and was rushed to Southampton hospital but died the following day.

Carver, who works as an international broker at an insurance firm, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless and inconsiderate driving at a previous hearing.

Initially, she attempted to shift blame onto the victim, claiming that Ms Morton had crossed the road when the traffic signals were green and alleged that her dog was out of control, but her claims were contradicted by eyewitnesses who were present at the scene of the accident.

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On Friday, September 15, Winchester Crown Court heard that Carver, of Maslen Mews, Beggarwood, was returning home from a swimming session at Beechdown Fitness Centre. 

Prosecuting, Rose Burns said: “The weather had been stormy earlier in the day, but it was considerably better during the afternoon.

“She (Carver) was on her way home at the time of the crash. After her swimming class, she had been sitting in the parking area apparently checking her messaging and making calls.

“When she reached Winchester Road, an eyewitness described her manner of driving as distractive.”

She had approximately 5.5 to 11.5 seconds to react to the red traffic signal, which had previously displayed flashing amber lights.

The court heard a heartfelt tribute from Ms Morton's mum, Jean Morton, who described her daughter as 'a friend, companion and a brilliant communicator'.

She said: “I wish it had been me who was killed, or if I was with her at the time, could I have saved her?

“I’m glad that I haven’t got many years in my life to endure this torture. I have felt many times that I didn’t want to go on. I felt that there was no purpose. I’m still struggling. She was our only child. No parent should have to bury their child."

The court was told that all of Ms Morton's organs were used for transplants and she saved six lives.

Her mother said: “My religion unfortunately went out of the window on the day she died. No parent should have to see their child on life support with injuries.

“Her father, who has dementia, never recognised her and said 'they have got the wrong person'. Her father’s dementia in a way helps him because he forgets. Her father says I have changed and not for the good.

"I cry a lot and I’m short-tempered with him and I really miss Clare’s support. I can’t believe I will never see or hear again. I never got to say goodbye, to say what a wonderful daughter she was.”

Ms Morton's partner Peter Williams, who she had an 11-year-old son with, was also in court. 

SEE ALSO: Tributes to 17-year-old Aliya Agwu from Basingstoke who died

Defending, Peter Gotch said it is 'rare to see a more remorseful person than Carver' and that her driving record was excellent.

Mr Gotch said that following the fatal crash Carver was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and has a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder, as well as mixed depressive and anxiety disorder.

Sentencing, Judge Angela Morris said in cases of this nature “there are no winners, there are only losers".

Judge Morris continued: "In this case, one family has been left bereft of a beloved partner, mother and daughter whose loss will be felt for the remainder of their lives and on the other a family whose hard-working and caring mother has to live with the consequences of her actions forever.”

Carver was jailed for 15 months, disqualified from driving for two years and must extended driving test to regain her licence. 

She also has to pay a surcharge of £156.