Woman given suspended sentence for causing serious injuries in a collision

Deborah Starr, 68, has been sentenced after pleading guilty to two offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving following a collision on Sleaford Road, Tattershall on 15 August 2025.  

Starr was travelling towards Sleaford along the A153 at Tattershall when she mounted the pavement and struck a mother, 39 and her daughter (then aged 11) who were walking along it.  Both pedestrians were launched into the air by the force of the collision and landed near a wall in a nearby garden. 

Meanwhile Starr’s vehicle came to a stop when it collided with a lamppost.  Other motorists who witnessed the collision, immediately stopped and rendered first aid to the injured parties, summoning the assistance of the emergency services.

Both mother and daughter received serious injuries as a result of the collision and were taken to different hospitals for urgent treatment.  Both underwent emergency surgery in the hours following the collision for their injuries which at the time were described as potentially life threatening.  The surgical interventions thankfully stabilised both patients, who have both sustained life changing injuries.

The mother continues to recover from her injuries which included head and internal injuries and multiple fractures to various bones throughout her body.  Likewise, her daughter continues with her recovery and her injuries included skull and pelvic fractures as well as numerous cuts, grazes and bruising.

Starr, of Chipping Cross, Clevedon, was sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court to two years six months imprisonment suspended for three years after pleading guilty to two offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.  She was also required to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work, banned from driving for a total of two years and must take an extended re-test before being allowed to drive again.

The sentencing follows an extensive investigation by our Serious Collision Investigation Unit.  During the investigation, witnesses came forward helping to piece together what had taken place.  Those who first spoke with Starr recall her saying about how tired she felt. 

In her subsequent police interview, Starr gave no comment to all questions asked, save for confirming her journey route and expressing remorse for the collision. 

Detective Sergeant Adam Doona from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This collision was down to Deborah Starr driving whilst tired.  At the time of the collision comments were made by her that lead us to believe that she had fallen asleep at the wheel, causing her to mount the pavement.

“The failure of Starr to pull over when she felt tired have left the two pedestrians she hit with devastating lifelong consequences.  It is regrettable that we have to keep repeating this message, but please always ensure you are well rested before commencing any journey.  It might not be just your life that you destroy should you fall asleep at the wheel.”