THE family of a grandmother who died when her car was hit by a coach have spoken of their grief as the driver was convicted of causing death by careless driving.

Parminder Dhinsa suffered fatal injuries when a passenger-less coach collided with her black Vauxhall Corsa on the A1018 slip road on the northbound side of the A19, near Seaham in January.

The grandmother-of-two received emergency surgery at the roadside but later died of her injuries.

Driver Paul Edward Miller, from Peterlee, was today found guilty of causing death by careless driving at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court.

The 28-year-old was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order and 60 hours of unpaid work, as well as a 12-month driving disqualification and was ordered to pay £625 in court costs and £85 Victim Surcharge.

The 56-year-old victim, who also came from Peterlee, was married with two sons, 35-year-old Jaspreet, and Steven, 36. She also had two grandchildren, aged six and four.

Grieving husband Lakhvir Singh Dhinsa, who runs the family-owned off licence in Wheatley Hill and fish and chip shop in Trimdon Station, said: “Parminder’s death absolutely devastated the family.

“We still have not come to terms with the fact that she is no longer with us.

“She was a pivotal member of the family, it is just so upsetting that she will not see our grandchildren grow up.

“Although today’s verdict brings us some relief that justice has been served, the cold fact is nothing will ever bring Parminder back and that is just heartbreaking.”

The family were represented by the law firm Irwin Mitchell.

Lawyer Maria Harvey said: “Parminder’s death was extremely tragic and has been felt by a lot of people as she was well known in her community.

“As this case shows, the consequences of careless driving can be fatal and devastating. We will continue to work with Lakhvir and the family to ensure they receive the support they need.”