An ill-judged attempt by a 38-year-old woman motorist to find a parking space had tragic consequences.

District Judge Michael Abelson at Wirral Magistrates Court heard how Dawn Raquel Glover in reversing her Renault Magane car struck an 88-year-old woman who was crossing the road and died three hours later.

Glover, of Dewberry Close, Birkenhead, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Mona Salvitore by driving without due care and attention in Roland Avenue, Wallasey, last April.

David Kilty, defending, said Glover was appearing in court in a very emotional state.

He said the accident occurred when she reversed back to get to a parking space and did not have sight of the pedestrian during a momentary lapse.

She had been in shock ever since and had suffered from anxiety and sleeplessness.

Judge Abelson said no sentence he could impose could bring back the unfortunate victim who was a fit, happy and healthy lady for her age.

He said the accident had obviously had a severe effect on the family of the deceased. It was a particularly sad case.

He said Glover was of previous exemplary character and would have to live with the consequences for the rest of her life.

“A momentary lapse of judgement led to devastating consequences”, he commented.

Glover must serve 100 hours of unpaid work. She was disqualified from driving for 12 months but the judge said he would not order her to take a re-test.