Driver, 95, admits killing cemetery worker after she pressed accelerator instead of brake and ran him over as he tended graves

  • Gertrude Lister admitted causing death by dangerous driving at court today
  • Paul Mills, 47, from Windsor, died when Lister hit him as he working at cemetery
  • Judge said despite her age she faced the 'very real' prospect of going to jail 

By Thomas Burrows for MailOnline

Published: 10:26 EST, 19 December 2017 | Updated: 10:50 EST, 19 December 2017

Frail Gertrude Lister, from Maidenhead, who hobbled into court using a walking stick, admitted causing death by dangerous driving at Reading Crown Court

Frail Gertrude Lister, from Maidenhead, who hobbled into court using a walking stick, admitted causing death by dangerous driving at Reading Crown Court

A 95-year-old driver has admitted killing a cemetery worker who was just a week into the job after she ran him over with her Hyundai i30.

Frail Gertrude Lister, from Maidenhead, who hobbled into court using a walking stick, admitted causing death by dangerous driving at Reading Crown Court.

Paul Mills, 47, from Windsor, died when Lister hit him as he was working in the grounds of Braywick Cemetery on Valentine's Day.

Judge Paul Dugdale said that, despite her age, she faced the 'very real' prospect of being sent to prison.

She will be sentenced at the same court on January 4.     

The court heard how Lister was at the wheel of her Hyundai when she pressed the accelerator instead of the brake and ran over the cemetery worker.

Mills had only been in the job for six days when he was killed.

Defending, Richard Shepherd, told the court: 'Mrs Lister has taken the brave decision with her family to enter a guilty plea. She does not want to put the Mills family through further heartache.

'She could have pleaded guilty to death by careless driving and had a trial in six months time.'

The court heard how Lister, of previous good character, had surrendered her driving licence and has been released on unconditional bail ahead of her sentencing.    

Judge Dugdale said the offence was 'serious' and there was 'no doubt' it crossed the custody threshold. 

He added: 'It's an extremely unusual and very sad case. The decision as to what sentence you receive is not straightforward and it's one that requires a lot of thought.

'It's an utterly tragic case for the family of Paul Mills and also for yourself.'

He added: 'I am going to extend your bail unconditionally as before, but do not read anything into this. There remains a quite real risk you might lose your liberty on January 4.'  

At the time of the death, Mr Mills' family released a statement saying: 'Paul was very much an outside person. He liked his job and the people he worked with.

'He had only been working for ISS for six days. They have been very supportive and we thank them for all their help. He leaves behind his brothers, children and grandchildren.

'They will never forget him, and will remember him with love.'

Bereaved wife Tracey Mills, from Windsor, added: 'I've lost my husband and my best friend. Rest in peace darling.'  

Mr Mills' daughter, Victoria, 17, said: 'He was a really good man. He was a hard worker and he looked after us.

'My mum said it would be difficult [to attend court] but I needed to come for her.' 

 

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