Hit-and-run driver, 77, sentenced

Gladys Pendlebury pleaded guilty to the charges

A 77-year-old woman who drove off after knocking over an elderly pedestrian, who later died, has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Joseph McNamara, 87, died eight days after being hit by Gladys Pendlebury's red Nissan Micra in Bury, Greater Manchester, in December 2007.

She pleaded guilty to failing to stop at the scene of an accident and other offences at Bury Magistrates' Court.

Pendlebury was sentenced to four months in jail, suspended for one year.

Mr McNamara, who was partially sighted and walked with a stick, was struck on Lowercroft Road on 11 December.

This case shows how dangerous our roads can be and the importance of people paying full attention when behind the wheel Pc Anthony Pye

Pendlebury, of Kilburn Road, Radcliffe, stopped about 50m up the road, but then drove away. She was found after police traced her car.

She also admitted driving without due care and attention, failure to report a road traffic collision and to having a defective tyre.

As well as the suspended sentence, Pendlebury was disqualified from driving for three years and given 100 hours community service.

Speaking after the hearing, Pc Anthony Pye of the road policing unit said: "This was an old man who tragically lost his life and his family were left devastated by his death.

"This case shows how dangerous our roads can be and the importance of people paying full attention when behind the wheel."