Ms James has also received 10 penalty points and paid costs

31 year old Hannah James from Disraeli Rd failed in October last year to stop following a collision with 17 year old Joel Semmens.

Joel was taken to hospital in Chertsey but died of his injuries three days before his 18th birthday.

Ms James defense lawyer Mark Haslam, told the court at Woking Magistrates Court that Ms James was undergoing counselling following the accident and said:
“The prosecution have said speed was not an issue. You are aware there was no alcohol involved.”

Mr Haslam continued:
“It’s fair to say failing to stop covers a multitude of sins and it is designed to deal with a totally different scenario, a genuine hit-and-run, and here we have a completely different situation,”.

Samantha Forsyth for the prosecution said: “... her car struck the left hand side of the bike and the victim was thrown across the road. The defendant did not stop and she returned later and admitted being the driver involved in the collision.”

Ms James has 12 months to complete the community service and has had 10 penalty points added to her licence plus she has had to pay £87 for costs.

May 17, 2011