Judge orders doctor's report over Ludlow pensioner's death
A judge has ordered a doctor's report into whether the death of a pensioner 10 days after she was hit by a vehicle was due to the collision.
Mary Guilbert, of Poyner Close, Ludlow, was hit by a car in Livesey Road, on April 13 last year.
The 70-year-old did not require an ambulance at the time of the accident, but was admitted to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital several days later, where she died.
Holly Farnsworth, from Craven Arms, was charged with causing death by careless driving.
The 20-year-old pleaded not guilty at Shrewsbury Crown Court in March this year, however, in her plea, Farnsworth conceded that she had been driving carelessly at the time of the collision.
The case was adjourned for trial, and expected to start in September this year, but it came up for mention at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Monday.
Mr Phillip Beardwell, prosecuting, told the court that he had not yet received a report from the doctor instructed by the crown into whether the car accident had caused Mrs Guilbert's death.
He said if the doctor found it did not, then the crown was likely to drop the death by careless driving charge and pursue only a charge of careless driving.
Mr Danny Smith, defending, said he was under the impression the doctor instructed by the defence had met with the doctor instructed by the Crown Prosecution Service and a conclusion had been reached.
Judge Peter Barrie said: "This has been simmering away since May."
Mr Beardwell replied: "I know. It's completely unacceptable."
He added: "At the moment it would be wrong for a lawyer to review the case based on hearsay."
Judge Barrie responded with strict instructions for both the prosecution and defence lawyers.
He said: "Unless by 4pm on August 20, a written joint statement by way of agreement or disagreement, signed by both doctors has been received in the court office, the case will be listed for mention on September 5 and both doctors are required to attend."
