03-05-2025
Mother jailed for causing death of son in crash on blind bend in Dorset
A mother has been jailed for causing the death of her son in a crash on a blind bend in Dorset.
39 year old Barbara Roe from Ludgershall in Wiltshire, was driving with her son on the A354 near East Woodyates in North Dorset last March when she began travelling at speed.
She then attempted to overtake a Ford Transit as she approached a blind left-hand bend, crossing the solid white line marking in the middle of the road.
A cattle transporter was travelling in the opposite direction and Roe collided with it.
Members of the public attempted to give first aid at the scene before the emergency services attended.
However, despite their best efforts, Roe's nine-year-old son Zac Roe died at the scene.
Police Constable Gavin Newbury, of the Serious Collision Investigation Team (SCIT), said: 'This tragic case is the cruellest of reminders of the truly devastating consequences that sadly occur when motorists drive in a dangerous or reckless manner.
'Our thoughts are absolutely with Zac's loved ones, who have been supported by specially trained officers throughout.
"While we fully appreciate nothing will ever make up for their loss, our role has been to diligently investigate the circumstances of this collision and bring the evidence before the courts to allow the justice process to follow its course.'
Roe was sentenced to five years in prison and disqualified from driving for a period of seven and a half years.
Zac's father and his paternal grandparents described him as a "much-loved boy".
In a statement, they said: 'His father adored him, as did we.
'He was a popular boy who had many friends.
'He had an amazing imagination. He just loved making things out of Lego, twigs, cardboard, string and Sellotape.
"Just the same as his dad did when he was Zac's age.
'He was talented at drawing and spent many hours adding detail to whatever he drew.
'We called him nature boy as he loved being outdoors, making dens, riding his bike and scooter, playing parkour and army games.
'He just loved life. He was always smiling.
'He should be here now enjoying his life.
'Money has been raised and there in now a therapy dog named after Zac. This is Zac's legacy as he loved dogs. If anyone one would like to donate in Zac's memory please go to the 'Dogs for Health' Facebook page.
'We will never stop loving him.
'The good memories are too hard to think about yet. But when we are ready to remember them, we will know how much he loved his short life, which was brutally taken away.
'No one will ever forget our wonderful Zac.
'Our grief will last until our last breath.'
