A banned driver from Clevedon convicted of causing the death of a 90-year-old woman by dangerous driving has been jailed for four years.

Mum-of-two Tracy Bibby crashed a Transit van into the home of 90-year-old Joan Woodier, burying her in rubble.

The pensioner was on the phone to her son at the time of the impact, and sadly did not survive.

UPDATE: 'I knew instantly mum had been killed' – family speak out as banned driver who killed 90-year-old jailed

During a trial Bibby claimed she had been at the Crab Apple pub in Clevedon before the crash with her friend Ben Chappell, saying it was him who had been driving.

But she was convicted of causing the death of Mrs Woodier by dangerous driving by a jury at Bristol Crown Court on May 20.

Today (May 24), the 35-year-old, of Rushmoor in Clevedon, was jailed for four years.

Left to right: Tracy Bibby and Joan Woodier

Judge Michael Cullum told her: "The sentence cannot in any way measure the grief that the Woodier family have felt.

”You lost control. You were driving while disqualified. You were on some way showing off. What you did made the van lose control.”

Bibby claimed it was Mr Chappell who drove them from the pub.

She said the radio was playing loud music which she sang along to.

She told the court: "Mr Chappell said 'I can do one better than that, I can make the van dance'."

Tracy Bibby

Bibby recounted how the van was travelling at no more than 25mph to 30mph.

She told the jury: "He was snaking.

"I wasn't restrained.

"I threw Mr Chappell a look.

"The next thing I knew, we're making a sharp turn to the left and, bang.

"It was an immediate sharp turn.

"I've no memory of approaching the house."

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Bibby said she didn't see Mr Chappell get out of the van.

She described how she had sustained a blow to her head and she was immediately concerned about retrieving possessions from the vehicle, including her keys.

She recalled telling an onlooker who asked her if she had been driving: "No, I wasn't bloody driving."

She could not recall telling another person: "I can't believe Ben swerved for a cat."

Family's 'horrendous' experience

Speaking after Bibby's conviction, Joan Woodier's family thanks the police, the prosecution service and liaison teams for getting them through a "horrendous" time.

They added: “To all of mum’s neighbours who showed tremendous courage and resolve in trying to rescue her out of the remains of the house on that fateful night.

“Also to their strength of character and voice when having to stand up in court and relive that awful scene.

“We cried for you when you were cross examined but you never wavered from your belief of events.

“This could all have been avoided so easily but unfortunately it wasn't to be.

“Thank you all.”

Collision Investigation Officer, Tony Hall, said: “Bibby has consistently refused to take responsibility for her reckless actions that night which tragically resulted in the death of Mrs Woodier.

“She sought to blame someone else even though all the evidence pointed to her being the one behind the wheel.

“This is a terribly sad case but I hope today’s result goes some way to providing closure for Mrs Woodier’s family.

“I’d like to thank them for the patience and support they’ve demonstrated during the past year which I know at times has not been easy.”