A Bicester family, whose life was torn apart by a fatal road accident, asked magistrates not to punish the driver.

On Tuesday, Jonathon Bowler, 31, of Corncrake Way, Bicester, admitted careless driving and failing to have a valid MOT certificate at Bicester Magistrates' Court.

The court heard that on January 10 this year, he lost control of his Transit van after losing concentration and ploughed into an on-coming car driven by mother-of-two Deborah Broom. She died from her injuries. Warwick Clarke, defending, said Mr Bowler thought he may have hit a brick or stone in the road. No evidence was found at the scene. Mr Clarke said: "The regret and distress Mr Bowler feels has never abated."

A forensic report confirmed that the vehicle was in good condition.

John Small, prosecuting, said: "This is a tragic case where a second's lack of concentration loses a life."

Mrs Broom, 38, of Caversfield, Bicester, was on her way to collect her children when the accident happened. Both vehicles were driving at about 40mph in a 60mph limit.

In a statement, Mrs Broom's parents said: "We accept that what happened was a terrible accident and we do not bear a grudge against the other driver.

"We are sure that he is just as devastated as we are, and his life, too, has been torn apart."

Mr Bowler was given six points on his licence, fined £400 and ordered to pay £60 costs.