Mother admits causing son's death in car crash

A mother has admitted causing the death of her nine-year-old son by dangerous driving.

Zac Roe, from Andover, Hampshire, died at the scene of the crash in East Woodyates, north Dorset, on 25 March 2024.

He had been a passenger in a Citroen car on the A354 Salisbury Road when it was involved in a collision with a Ford Transit van and a cattle transporter truck and trailer.

Barbara Roe, 39. of Ludgershall, Wiltshire, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court where she pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

Judge William Mousley KC ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared on the defendant and adjourned the case for sentencing on 2 May.

Charles Gabb, defending, said: "There is a detailed psychiatric report... and gives important information."

The judge also imposed an interim driving ban on Roe with the disqualification period to be decided at the sentencing hearing.

She was released on conditional bail.

Following Zac's death, his father Josh Roe said in a statement: "Words cannot describe the pain I'm feeling, my heart is broken. You are my little angel. I love you more than anything in this world, you are my best buddy."

Grandfather Chris Roe said: "I just want to thank you for the wonderful and fun-filled memories we shared on your short journey of your life."

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