Road safety warning after mother sentenced for fatal collision in North Dorset
Traffic officers are warning of the dangers of reckless driving after a mother was sentenced for a tragic fatal collision that cost the life of her nine-year-old son.
Zac Roe was aged just nine when he died in a road traffic collision on the A354 near East Woodyates in North Dorset.
His mother Barbara Roe, aged 39 and of Ludgershall in Wiltshire, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday 2 May 2025 after previously admitting an offence of causing death by dangerous driving.
Dorset Police received a report at 5.21pm on Monday 25 March 2024 of a collision involving a grey Citroen DS9, a white Ford Transit van and a DAF cattle transporter truck and trailer.
Witnesses described the Citroen, which was being driven by the defendant with her son the sole passenger, travelling at speed and attempting to overtake other vehicles prior to the collision.
The defendant then attempted to overtake the Ford Transit as she approached a blind left-hand bend, crossing the solid white line marking in the middle of the road. The cattle transporter was travelling in the opposite direction and Roe collided with it as she rounded the bend.
Members of the public attempted to give first aid at the scene before the emergency services attended. However, despite the best efforts of all involved, little Zac was very sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
His mother was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that were not believed to be serious.
Following a detailed investigation by the Serious Collision Investigation Team, Roe was charged and subsequently sentenced to five years in prison. She was also disqualified from driving for a period of seven and a half years.
Police Constable Gavin Newbury, of the Serious Collision Investigation Team (SCIT), said: “This tragic case is the cruellest of reminders of the truly devastating consequences that sadly occur when motorists drive in a dangerous or reckless manner.
“Our thoughts are absolutely with Zac’s loved ones, who have been supported by specially trained officers throughout. While we fully appreciate nothing will ever make up for their loss, our role has been to diligently investigate the circumstances of this collision and bring the evidence before the courts to allow the justice process to follow its course.”
Image gallery:
select image to download