Shelter crash was suicide attempt (From The Northern Echo)

Shelter crash was suicide attempt

8:07am Saturday 13th December 2008 in

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A MOTORIST ploughed into a bus shelter while attempting to take her own life after a row with her boyfriend.

But an innocent teenager standing at the stop waiting for a lift to work was struck by the Renault Clio, driven by Kelly Marie Lidster.

Durham Crown Court heard that Lidster, who was double the drink-drive limit, closed her eyes and accelerated after her boyfriend got out of the car, following the argument.

The Clio mounted the pavement, demolished pedestrian bollards and hit the bus shelter, causing substantial damage.

Steven Orange, prosecuting, said Martin Turfrey was found seriously injured in the rubble of the damaged shelter, off the A690 in North View, Meadowfield, near Durham, following the collision, on June 18.

Mr Turfrey, 19, from nearby Brandon, suffered serious leg injuries, a cut to the foot, and needed 15 stitches to a head wound.

He spent several days in hospital, during which he underwent two operations for snapped leg ligaments.

Mr Orange said Lidster, who gave a breath reading of 70mls of alcohol, compared to the legal limit of 35, told police she had intended killing herself, but meant no harm to anyone else.

Lidster, 29, of South View, Ushaw Moor, near Durham, admitted driving dangerously and with excess alcohol.

Ron Mitchell, mitigating, described it as “a misguided attempt at suicide by a woman with a long history of depressive illness”.

He said: “It’s not the first time she has tried to harm herself or attempted suicide.”

Mr Mitchell told the court she had mental health and other problems, which she struggled to cope with.

Lidster, who was given a 39-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, must undergo a year’s probation supervision, including attending a course to address her alcohol problem.