A 70-year-old woman and 93-year-old man, who was in the ambulance, died two days after the crash in 2023
A 60-year-old woman has avoided prison after a crash that killed two people. The crash happened on December 19, 2023 at around 7.30pm on the B1506 in Moulton, between Kentford and Newmarket.
Julie Ijere was driving a patient transport ambulance, which was operated by a private transport service. In the back of the ambulance was another employee and two patients, one of whom was Anthony Dawbarn.
The ambulance was heading towards Newmarket. A Volkswagen Golf, being driven by Jane Blampied was travelling in the opposite direction towards Kentford.
The ambulance drifted into the Golf’s path, resulting in a serious crash and the ambulance tipping on its side. CCTV from the area and dashcam footage from the time of the crash showed the ambulance crossing the broken lines in the middle of the road and into the path of the Golf. Jane, aged 70, and Anthony, aged 93, died two days later in Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
The investigation found that there was no evidence of distractions from inside the ambulance, or that Ijere had been on a phone. Ijere was on prescription medication at the time, but there was no evidence to suggest this affected her ability to drive safely.
In the absence of any other factor, it is the driver who is responsible for maintaining control of their vehicle and it is clear in this instance that Julie Ijere failed to do so, the reason for which is unknown.
Ijere, of Shakespeare Road, Stowmarket, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving at a hearing on April 27 this year. After appearing at Cambridge Crown Court on Wednesday (August 5), she was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for 30 months.
She has also been disqualified from driving for five years and will have to take an extended retest. In addition, she will also carry out 80 hours of unpaid work, take part in a 15-day rehabilitation activity programme, pay a £500 victim surcharge and £187 in costs.
Victim personal statements from both families were read during the hearing, highlighting the impact the tragic losses have had on the families, friends and loved ones of Mrs Blampied and Mr Dawbarn.
Detective Inspector Dave McCormack, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This has been a tragic case for the families of Jane Blampied and Anthony Dawbarn to deal with. It has taken a long time to be brought to court and I thank the families for their patience.
“Julie Ijere has pleaded guilty and therefore taken responsibility, however this still doesn’t give the families the answer as to what caused the collision. This is understandably a cause of frustration for them.
“Drivers must fully recognise that they have a responsibility to other road users to drive safely, concentrate and be fit to drive at all times when they are behind the wheel. Sincere thanks should also be passed on to the members of public and emergency services for all efforts made to save the lives of the two victims on that terrible evening.”
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