A 20-YEAR-OLD Sedgley woman has been banned from driving and given a suspended prison sentence for causing the death of a man in a tragic road crash last year.

Emily Doyle-Gibbons, of Warren Drive, was found guilty on August 28 of causing the death of 59-year-old Malcolm Aplin by careless driving on June 25, 2017, following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, and yesterday (Monday September 24) she was given a six-month jail term suspended for two years.

His Honour Judge James Burbidge QC also banned her from driving for five years after which she will have to take an extended re-test. She was also sentenced to 250 hours unpaid work and received an undisclosed court surcharge.

Doyle-Gibbons had been driving her Ford Fiesta towards Brewood along Port Lane as she drifted onto the opposite side of the road and into the path of a Vauxhall Corsa driven by Mr Aplin, who was driving home to his family.

Tragically - the much-loved husband, father and grandfather suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Doyle-Gibbons’ defence was that a component in her car had catastrophically failed and as a result the car went violently out of control.

Specialist examinations of the component and other components on her car, however, disproved that account.

PC Rob Trow, of Staffordshire and West Midlands Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said yesterday's sentencing came after a thorough and detailed investigation ‘where the facts spoke for themselves” and he added: “Miss Doyle-Gibbons failed to show any remorse whatsoever for her actions on that day.

“I would remind all drivers it is ultimately for them to assess both their own suitability to drive and to question themselves about their vehicle’s roadworthiness.

"These factors are always the responsibility of the driver, for each and every journey.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr Aplin who have shown great courage and unity during the last 16 months.”