THE daughter of a much-loved community stalwart who was mowed down and killed by a hit-and-run motorcyclist has said: “Our hearts will never be mended.”

Helen Doherty was crossing a road with her shopping when she was hit by Simon Coker in Colburn, near Catterick Garrison, a year ago.

The popular 78-year-old church volunteer and former school dinner lady suffered a catastrophic head injury and died in hospital a short time later.

Her daughter, Jacqueline Ross, had a victim personal statement read out on her behalf when moped rider Simon Coker was jailed for eight years on Monday. It told of the anguish suffered by the whole family since the Saturday morning tragedy, and how they struggle to come to terms with it.

Last night, Mrs Ross, said: “She was fit and healthy and enjoying her life. She was a grandmother and great grandmother and loved to be around her family, that’s what she lived for.

Mrs Ross, who described her mother as “my best friend”, added: “She died on the day she was struck by the motorbike and our lives changed from that day.”

She said: “I cannot describe the unbearable, hollow emptiness I feel every day. I can see her final tear roll from her eye as she died. This has affected all of the family, and the whole of the community, because mum was there for everyone, always ready to listen and to give a hug.”

Mrs Doherty - known as “Aunty Helen” by locals - had been shopping for a cancer patient friend.

Coker, of Castle Hill, Richmond, admitted causing death by careless driving while over the prescribed alcohol limit, and and an insurance fraud charge.

His barrister, Rod Hunt, said Coker left the scene because passers by rushed to help and he was being blamed, and felt threatened.

Coker, 32, a plasterer, yelled at the dying pensioner “what were you doing walking in the middle of the road” before fleeing on the 125cc moped.

The Lexmoto was later tested and was found to have ten defects - eight of which would have failed an MOT - including its brakes, steering and tyres.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, who also banned convicted drug dealer and burglar Coker from the roads for six years, branded him a selfish coward.

After hearing how he swerved or avoid speed bumps and was doing 30mph in the 20mph zone, the judge said he was restricted by sentencing guidelines.

He admitted whatever punishment he imposed might be considered “utterly inadequate”, but told Coker - who seemed to be drunk in the dock: “This is a bad case. A deeply aggravating feature is the fact you didn’t remain at the scene, thinking solely of yourself.

“Not only that, but you had the temerity and cowardice to start suggesting that she was at fault.”