Driver, 69, who killed woman walking to Take That concert is jailed for one year for causing death by dangerous driving

Published: 19:05, 16 June 2026 | Updated: 19:08, 16 June 2026 A 'careless' driver who killed a woman on her way to a Take That concert has been jailed for one year.  Fiona Hodge, 69, previously denied responsibility for the death of Donna Crossman, 53, who was hit by her car in the evening of June 2024 as she walked to Bristol's Ashton Gate Stadium. But video footage saw Hodge's red Citroen had mounted the pavement, narrowly missing Donna's two friends before colliding with her and hitting the railings, knocking her off the bridge. Police had earlier released footage of Hodge's initial account where she told officers she was driving along the A370 Brunel Way with her friends into Bristol and was returning from a walk in the Mendips. She said the road was 'not busy' and that she was driving 'within the speed limit'. In the video, Hodge said how she 'lost her concentration' and that it was a 'very nasty accident'. Ms Crossman died as a result of her 'catastrophic injuries', jurors were previously told. Her family arrived in Bristol at around 10:30pm and their daughter died at around midnight. Hodge, from St Werburghs, Bristol, was found guilty in April by a jury at Bristol Crown Court of causing death by careless driving. Fiona Hodge, 69, who killed a woman on her way to a Take That concert has been jailed for one year Donna Crossman, 53, was hit by Hodge's car in the evening of June 2024 as she walked to Bristol's Ashton Gate Stadium The court heard Hodge tested negative for drink and drugs in the aftermath of the crash. She returned to court on Monday and was sentenced to one year in prison and ordered to pay more than £3,000 in legal costs. Hodge was also banned from driving for two and a half years. After the fatal crash, the victim, who was from Bridgend in Wales, was taken to Southmead Hospital but sadly died as a result of her injuries the following day. A number of witnesses gave evidence during the trial, including friends of the defendant, as well as two independent witnesses who were driving a separate car when they saw a red car 'swerving between lanes in front of them'. In a statement read out in court, Donna's mother Annette Price spoke of losing her 'much-loved' daughter. She wrote: 'Although Donna was a grown woman, she was our child, our flesh and blood. Nothing can prepare you for the death of a child at whatever age. 'From the day she was born and throughout her life, she brought us so much joy. Donna's life was not insignificant. The mother spoke of her daughter's time working at RAF stations around the world, including Italy, the Falkland Islands and the Pentagon. She went on to work for the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and working with the Phoenix Fire Cadets. She was also a team manager for the Wales Women's Rugby Team and the Welsh Netball Team. Hodge was also ordered to pay more than £3,000 in legal costs and banned from driving for two and a half years. Pictured: Hodge arriving at Bristol Crown Court on April 13 Mrs Crossman finished by saying: 'She was a truly amazing woman. To us, her family, she was our rock. Someone we relied on, so grateful in the knowledge she would be there for us in our later years. 'Over time, a role reversal had taken place, she was the mother figure taking care of us. Our carer, our driver, our voice of reason, her amazing ability to put things in perspective and to help solve problems. Wiped out in an instant of carelessness. 'The moment her heart stopped beating, our lives shattered into a million pieces. Never to be whole again. The shockwaves affecting the lives of her family, friends and colleagues, who like us, are still traumatised by her loss.' Donna's parents also spoke after the sentencing. They said: 'Having now heard the sentencing of Fiona Hodge for her careless driving and the killing of our wonderful daughter Donna, it brings a conclusion to the two-year fight for justice for her. 'Whatever the sentence was, it will not bring our beloved daughter back, but it goes some way to righting a wrong and prove the British legal system works. 'Perhaps we can now take time to grieve properly.' Investigating Officer Noelie Poupard from the Serious Collision Investigation Team said: 'No sentence can undo the devastating loss suffered by Donna's family, who described her as the rock of their family and whose lives were changed forever by this collision. 'For more than two years they have waited with remarkable strength, dignity and patience for this case to conclude. Today's sentence reflects the seriousness of the consequences of Hodge's actions and provides a measure of accountability for what happened. 'Our thoughts remain with Donna's loved ones, and I hope that the conclusion of these proceedings allows them to begin to move forward, knowing that justice has now been delivered.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.