A driver who ignored medical advice about his eyesight killed two elderly women in Southport. Glyn Jones, whose vision was 'well below the standard required,' struck Marie Cunningham, 79, and Grace Foulds, 85, as they crossed Lulworth Road on 30 November 2021.
Liverpool Crown Court heard Jones had been repeatedly warned not to drive after being diagnosed with keratoconus over a decade ago. Judge Neil Flewitt KC said Jones 'took a chance' and 'gambled with the lives of other road users,' describing his actions as 'selfish and grossly irresponsible.'
Prosecutor Henry Riding said the two friends were returning from Southport town centre when they attempted to cross the road at 16:35 GMT. An expert estimated Jones was driving between 28 and 38 mph in his Audi A3 when he hit them. After stopping, the car was seen moving up and down, suggesting one victim was run over.
Jones initially told police the women stepped out from the pavement on his left, but CCTV showed they crossed from the opposite side. Both women suffered catastrophic injuries and died in hospital later that day.
In victim impact statements, families described the devastating loss. Ms Foulds' daughter Mary Clarke recalled planning a Christmas surprise with her son flying from Australia, only to identify her mother on a hospital trolley. Ms Cunningham's family called the act 'senseless,' with her son Stephen stating: 'In 2011, we lost our dad to cancer... 10 years later, we lost our mum to a merciless person.'
Jones was sentenced to prison and will be eligible for release after serving two-thirds of his term. He was also disqualified from driving for five years, plus an extended period of four years and 10 months.
