A banned driver who killed a much-loved great-grandmother by running her over several times has been jailed.

Reece McKinven, 31, was reversing his van in Street, Somerset, when he failed to see 83-year-old Beryl Howard behind him. He then rolled over her repeatedly, leaving her with fatal injuries.

She was pronounced dead at the scene following the horror crash in Green Lane Avenue just before 5.20pm on March 16, 2023.

McKinven, who had no driving licence or insurance, was caught with cannabis when police arrested him. Officers later found more of the drug inside his van.

He was jailed for 13 months at Taunton Crown Court and banned from driving for two-and-a-half years after admitting causing death by careless driving, driving without a licence, driving without insurance, and possession of cannabis.

Judge Cook told him: "You failed to see Beryl Howard, but she was there to be seen. You have a history of offences and a cavalier attitude to driving."



Beryl's son Ray Howard said the family was left heartbroken and angry, knowing McKinven should never have been on the road.

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He said: "Mum was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her sudden and brutal death has shattered our family."

He added: "McKinven was driving illegally and showed complete disregard for the law. Even after hitting something, he kept reversing over her."

Beryl's daughter Sharon Perry said her family was devastated.

She said: "Mum was loved so much, and her loss is unbearable. Knowing she suffered such a horrific death makes it even harder."

Investigating officer Dai Nicholas praised members of the public who comforted Beryl in her final moments and thanked witnesses who helped convict McKinven.

McKinven will serve half his sentence before being released on licence.