A 21-year-old woman has admitted killing a pedestrian after losing control of her car at high speed while delivering a takeaway. Rosie Hanson pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday to causing the death of 27-year-old Ryan Phillips by careless driving, as well as causing death while uninsured.
The crash occurred on Marine Parade in Sheerness, Kent, on January 17, 2024. Mr Phillips was struck near the entrance to Barton's Point Coastal Park while walking with his girlfriend. Hanson, of Mimosa Avenue, Minster, was driving a VW Golf at about 60mph in a 40mph zone when she lost control and hit the pedestrian on the pavement.
Prosecutor Tom Nicholson told the court that Hanson's speed and the gross loss of control were key factors. Hanson's lawyer, Allan Goh, said she claimed to have been 'startled' by an animal, but the prosecution argued this was of little consequence given the excessive speed. Hanson initially pleaded not guilty in December but changed her plea on Monday.
Judge Oliver Saxby KC adjourned sentencing until July 2, warning Hanson to be honest with the probation service. She was released on bail with an interim driving ban. Mr Phillips' family paid tribute to him as 'kind, loving and caring', adding that he had a bright future ahead. The speed limit on Marine Parade has since been reduced to 30mph in the area of the crash.
