A WOMAN was tonight beginning a prison sentence after killing a pensioner and seriously injuring her daughter when she drove a 4x4 car and a horsebox through a crossroads without stopping.

Deborah Hodson, 47, was at the wheel of a Land Rover Discovery when she smashed into the side of 74-year-old Margaret Slatter and 49-year-old Diane Slatter’s Chrysler Neon car at a junction between Burford and Shipton-under-Wychwood on August 23 last year.

The Slatters, of Manor Farm, Kingham, were returning home along the A361 after a shopping trip to Witney when the crash happened at the junction with the B4437.

Their car burst into flames, killing Mrs Slatter and leaving her daughter with multiple injuries, including leg fractures, broken ribs, two punctured lungs and serious brain trauma. She will never fully recover.

Hodson, of Alvescot Road, Black Bourton, near Bampton, had earlier admitted a charge of causing death by careless driving, but was found guilty by a jury at Oxford Crown Court of causing death by dangerous driving.

She told Recorder Stephen Oliver before sentencing that the crash was “caused by a moment of my inattention” and added: “I am constantly aware of the pain and suffering that their family must be going through.

“I am absolutely devastated to be held responsible for Margaret’s death and it’s a burden I carry with me night and day. It’s a lifelong punishment.”

Outside court, traffic officer Sgt Peter Jell said of Hodson: “She just kept driving – didn’t brake, didn’t slow down, just kept driving.

“Her speed wasn’t excessive but she ignored a total of eight warnings before the junction, including rumble strips, direction signs, give way signs and ‘slow’ written on the road.

“It was a bright summer’s day and her view was totally unimpeded. The junction was there to be seen.”

Mr Oliver jailed the married mother-of-two, who had no previous convictions and was called a “pillar of the community”, for 18 months. She was also disqualified from driving for two years.

He said: “I’m absolutely convinced Mrs Slatter’s family will believe you have got off very lightly.”

Mr Oliver also gave a High Sheriff’s Award and £400 each to three passers-by – farmers John Busk and Neil Norridge, and nurse Katrina Dawkes – who went to the aid of the Slatters.

Sgt Jell said afterwards: “Katrina sat in the back of the car helping Diane while the car was on fire, and the two farmers literally ripped the door open, allowing them to get her out. Without their actions, Diane would have burned alive.”

Susan Crudge, 52, one of Mrs Slatter’s three daughters, said outside court: “The family’s devastation at the loss of our beloved mother continues. The results of Mrs Hodson’s driving have left Diane still living with her serious injuries and mental trauma.

“This is her daily reality.

“We’re delighted that (the helpers) who showed such outstanding courage are each to receive that High Sheriff’s Award.

“Without their involvement we would have lost a sister, too.”