Horse Trader

A driver that ran over and killed a horse rider has been given a suspended prison sentence and a three year driving ban.

The accident occurred on 16th January 2011 when driver Hugh Boyle collided with two horse riders after being distracted by the sun. Jane Mitchinson, 63, who had a long-term partner and a daughter, died instantly after being struck by Boyle’s van and the two horses were put down.

The other horse rider escaped serious injury. Boyle, 52, of Fox Hatch, Kelvedon Hatch, was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court. He admitted causing death by careless driving and was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. He was banned from driving for three years and ordered to carry out 300 hours of community service. After the case, Essex police said that Boyle did not adjust his driving for the bright sunlight at the time and that he did not notice the riders and their horses.

“This case shows drivers must always have the highest level of concentration,” said Inspector Keith Whiting. “The consequences of not taking care are massive. “Our thoughts are with Mrs Mitchinson's family who live with their loss and I'm sure Mr Boyle lives with the thought of taking a person's life. “I hope others will also learn and prevent such unnecessary deaths occurring in the future.”

Last month, a group of horse riders in Epworth set up a campaign to encourage safer driving on the roads. The group launched a Facebook page, entitled “Epworth needs bridleways” in the hope that it will increase public bridleways to create a safer environment for horse riders.

Epworth horse rider, Gemma Bateman, said that motorists need to pay more attention to people and animals. “As an 18 year old I took my driving test and found there really was a lack of emphasis on how dangerous it is for both the driver, horse and rider if consideration isn’t taken,” she said. “Drivers just don’t realise we are often stuck between them and a ditch.”