Family pays tribute to woman, 86, fatally hit by car

The family of an elderly woman who was fatally struck by a car outside a supermarket have paid tribute to a "precious mum, granny and great-granny".

Maureen Sanderson, 86, died two days after she was hit by Tracie Spowage's Nissan Juke while crossing Nuthall Road in Aspley, Nottingham, outside Iceland, on 13 October last year.

Spowage, 58, of Petworth Drive, Basford, was handed a 10-month sentence, suspended for 12 months, and disqualified from driving for 18 months at Nottingham Crown Court in June after pleading guilty to causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

Sanderson's family paid tribute to her through a statement issued by Nottinghamshire Police on Friday.

They said: "She was kind and caring, and didn't interfere, but was always there when needed. She had many friends and loved socialising.

"Looking nice and making sure her hair looked best was always important to her.

"She had a zest for life and was stoic, strong and as independent as she could be, not wanting to put upon anyone.

"She worked hard throughout her life, and her favourite job was as a ward receptionist at the City Hospital on the children's ward, where she loved stepping in to comfort poorly children who needed a bit of extra care.

"In early retirement, she enjoyed holidays abroad with her beloved husband, our dad, whom she adored.

"She is greatly missed by us all. Life will never be the same without our dear mum, granny and great-granny."

At the sentencing hearing, prosecutor Philip Cowburn said Spowage was leaving the car park when she waited at the junction leading on to Nuthall Road for 14 seconds.

"Maureen is seen to raise her hand out in the 'thank you' motion towards the car, seemingly thanking this defendant for waiting," he said.

"This defendant drives forwards and collides with her. Maureen falls to the ground and is taken underneath the Nissan Juke."

The court heard Sanderson was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, where she was pronounced dead on 15 October.

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