A MERCEDES driver ploughed into a pedestrian crossing, killing a woman because he was distracted by a spider, a court heard.
Miss Cawood was knocked to the ground and briefly fell unconsciousness before being rushed to Leeds General Infirmary. Janet was fully fit and healthy and to see her body broken and maimed at the hospital, sent me into shockIn an emotional victim impact statement read out in court from sister Sally Cawood, she said: "My sister was cheated of her retirement and the things she planned to do. Janet had worked hard throughout her life.
"I feel I have been condemned, losing her in such a way and to see her suffering because of someone's stupidity and lack of attention. He said: "He mounted the kerb, he continued for a short distance without significant braking, and rammed head-on into a post near the junction which held the controls for a pedestrian crossing there.
Mitigating, Philip Morris told a court the defendant has shown heartfelt remorse and has not driven since the accident.