Cyrus Bailey admitted causing the tragic crash near Yeovil. Picture: Avon & Somerset Police

Driver avoids prison sentence over crash near Yeovil that killed Christine Ibbotson

Paul JonesJuly 16, 20250 Comment0

THE man who caused a crash that killed Christine Ibbotson near Yeovil has avoided a prison sentence after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.

Cyrus Bailey, of Loders, Dorset, was sentenced at Yeovil Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (July 15) having pleaded guilty to the charge following a crash on the B3151 at Yeovilton at around 12.30pm on May 12 last year.

The 20-year-old failed to give way at the junction with Stockwitch Lane and crashed into the side of a car being driven by Christine, who died in hospital three days later.

Bailey was handed an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, for causing death by careless driving.

The court heard how Christine suffered “catastrophic” injuries in the crash and despite treatment from paramedics at the scene and in hospital, tragically passed away.

Bailey was later charged with causing death by careless driving and pleaded guilty when he appeared before magistrates in Yeovil last month.

Ahead of his sentencing, victim personal statements written by Christine’s daughters were read out highlighting the significant impact her death had had on their family.

“I miss mum every day – her smile, her laughter, sense of humour, and most of all, her love,” one said. “There is such a void in our lives that will never be filled.

“I find it hard to fall asleep most nights. In the morning for a few seconds it’s like it was all a bad dream, then reality hits and my living nightmare begins all over again.

“Mum had such a zest for life and really enjoyed herself, it feels like we have been robbed.”

Bailey failed to give way at the junction of Stockwitch Lane and the B3151 at Yeovilton. Picture: Google

Her other daughter said: “The sudden and violent nature of the crash and my Mum’s ultimate death in May 2024 is constantly with me, and no doubt will be for a very long time to come.”

“Her life was dramatically cut short through this incident which has left part of me numb and profoundly sad and upset at the way she was taken from us so prematurely,” she added.

The magistrate said Christine’s life was lost because of his careless driving, describing it as “more than a momentary lapse of concentration”, with ‘give way’ signs clearly visible before the junction.

Dai Nicholas, the investigating officer, said: “Bailey’s failure to give way at the junction, missing multiple signs, had the most tragic of consequences for Christine.

“Her death has been a devastating loss for her family and could have been avoided through more careful driving.

“It’s sadly another example of the impact every decision you have when you get behind the wheel of a vehicle can have. Everyone has a responsibility to be fully aware of their surroundings while driving.”