Woman Jailed for Welsh Concert-Goer Death in Bristol 2026

Key Points

• A 69-year-old woman, Fiona Hodge from St Werburghs, Bristol, was sentenced to one year in prison for causing death by careless driving.
• The incident occurred on June 9, 2024, just before 5:30 pm, when Hodge drove her red Citroen onto the pavement on A370 Brunel Way.
• Donna Crossman, a 53-year-old pedestrian from Bridgend, Wales, was struck while walking to a Take That concert at Ashton Gate Stadium.
• Donna died from her injuries the following day at Southmead Hospital.
• Hodge was found guilty by a jury at Bristol Crown Court in April 2025.
• The sentencing took place on Monday, June 15, 2026, with over £3,000 in legal costs and a two-and-half-year driving ban imposed.
• Witnesses testified that Hodge’s car was “swerving between lanes” before the collision.
• Donna’s mother, Annette Price, described her daughter as “our rock” and a “truly amazing woman” who served in the Air Force for 19 years.
• Donna’s parents, Stephen and Annette Price, stated the sentence “goes some way to righting a wrong” and proves “the British legal system works.”
• Investigating Officer Noelie Poupard emphasized the sentence reflects “the seriousness of the consequences of Hodge’s actions.”

Bristol (Bristol Express News) June 16, 2026 — A 69-year-old woman has been sentenced to one year in prison for causing the death of a concert-goer in Bristol two years ago, marking the conclusion of a lengthy legal proceedings that have deeply affected both the victim’s family and the local community. Fiona Hodge, from St Werburghs, Bristol, was found guilty of causing death by careless driving by a jury at Bristol Crown Court in April, and her sentencing took place on Monday, 15th June, where the court also imposed more than £3,000 in legal costs and a driving ban for two and a half years .

How Did the Fatal Incident Occur on A370 Brunel Way?

The incident occurred just before 5.30pm on 9th June 2024, when Hodge drove her red Citroen onto the pavement on the A370 Brunel Way, striking 53-year-old pedestrian Donna Crossman as she walked to the Take That concert at Ashton Gate Stadium . Donna, who was from Bridgend in Wales, died from her injuries the next day at Southmead Hospital, ending a life that her family describes as remarkable and full of accomplishment .

Witnesses, including friends of the defendant and independent observers, testified during the trial, describing the car ‘swerving between lanes’ before the collision, evidence that proved crucial in establishing the careless nature of Hodge’s driving .

What Did Donna Crossman’s Mother Share About Her Daughter’s Life in Court?

In a statement read out in court, Donna’s mother Annette Price shared the grief and pain of losing her daughter, describing Donna’s remarkable life and accomplishments with heartfelt emotion that resonated throughout the courtroom .

“Although Donna was a grown woman, she was our child, our flesh and blood. Nothing can prepare you for the death of a child at whatever age. From the day she was born and throughout her life, she brought us so much joy. Donna’s life was not insignificant,”

Annette Price stated, her words capturing the profound loss felt by the family .

As reported by the court reporter at Bristol News, Annette spoke of Donna’s adventures and career highlights, including working at RAF stations around the world and serving with the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service .

“She was passionate about the cadets, because it gave young people opportunities and skills; it also took on many young offenders, showing them a positive path and helping them to turn their lives around,”

Annette Price explained, highlighting Donna’s commitment to helping others .

Her loss to the Fire Service has been devastating and as a testament to her work and passion, a few days after her funeral, we were sent a picture of a magnificent silver and gold trophy, made in her memory, to be presented to the best Fire Cadet in the whole of Wales .

“She was a truly amazing woman. To us, her family, she was our rock. Someone we relied on, so grateful in the knowledge she would be there for us in our later years,”

Annette Price continued, describing the central role Donna played in her family .

How Did Donna Crossman’s Parents Respond to the Sentencing Decision?

After the sentencing, Donna’s mum and dad, Stephen and Annette Price, said:

“Having now heard the sentencing of Fiona Hodge for her careless driving and the killing of our wonderful daughter Donna, it brings a conclusion to the two-year fight for justice for her,”

the couple stated, expressing their relief that the legal proceedings had finally concluded .

“Whatever the sentence was, it will not bring our beloved daughter back, but it goes some way to righting a wrong and prove the British legal system works,”

Stephen and Annette Price added, acknowledging the limitations of any sentence while affirming their belief in the justice system .

“We would like to thank everyone in the prosecution team, especially Mr Adam Vaitilingham KC for his excellent work as prosecution counsel and, of course, the jury for seeing the truth,”

the parents expressed, showing gratitude for the dedicated work of those who brought the case to conclusion .

“Perhaps we can now take time to grieve properly,”

Annette Price concluded, indicating that the sentencing allows the family to begin the healing process .

What Did the Investigating Officer Say About the Sentencing’s Significance?

Designated Investigating Officer Noelie Poupard from the Serious Collision Investigation Team said:

“No sentence can undo the devastating loss suffered by Donna’s family, who described her as the rock of their family and whose lives were changed forever by this collision,”

Officer Poupard stated, acknowledging the permanent impact of the tragedy .

“For more than two years they have waited with remarkable strength, dignity and patience for this case to conclude. Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the consequences of Hodge’s actions and provides a measure of accountability for what happened,”

the officer continued, emphasizing the importance of the sentence .

“Our thoughts remain with Donna’s loved ones, and I hope that the conclusion of these proceedings allows them to begin to move forward, knowing that justice has now been delivered,”

Officer Poupard concluded, expressing the investigation team’s continued support for the victim’s family .

What Were the Specific Details of Hodge’s Trial and Guilty Finding?

Hodge’s sentencing took place on Monday, 15th June, where the court also imposed more than £3,000 in legal costs and a driving ban for two and a half years, additional penalties that complement the one-year prison sentence . Hodge was found guilty of causing death by careless driving by a jury at Bristol Crown Court in April, a verdict that required the jury to carefully consider the witness testimony and evidence presented during the trial .

The trial featured testimony from witnesses including friends of the defendant and independent observers, all of whom described the car ‘swerving between lanes’ before the collision, providing crucial evidence of careless driving .

How Did the Community and Media Respond to This Case?

The case has drawn significant attention from local media outlets across Bristol and Wales, with journalists from Bristol News, Hellorayo, and Hits Radio covering the trial and sentencing proceedings extensively . The media coverage has highlighted not only the legal aspects of the case but also the profound impact on Donna Crossman’s family and the broader community, particularly those connected to the Take That concert venue at Ashton Gate Stadium .

The tragedy has also sparked discussions about road safety in Bristol, particularly regarding vehicles driving on pavements and the dangers posed to pedestrians in urban areas . Local authorities have emphasized the importance of careful driving and the serious consequences that can result from careless behavior on the roads .

Explore More Bristol Crime News

Two arrested on drug charges after Bristol traffic stop

Bristol police seek help after teen sexual assault

Background of the Particular Development

This case represents a significant example of the British legal system’s approach to causing death by careless driving, a charge that falls under the Road Traffic Act 1988. The one-year prison sentence imposed on Fiona Hodge reflects the court’s assessment of the careless nature of the driving rather than intentional or dangerous driving, which would typically result in more severe penalties under the Road Traffic Act 1991.

The incident occurred during a period when Ashton Gate Stadium was hosting a major concert event, drawing thousands of attendees to Bristol.

The A370 Brunel Way is a known route for concert attendees traveling to the stadium, making it a high-traffic area during event times. The fact that Donna Crossman was walking to the Take That concert adds a layer of public interest to the case, as concert-goers represent a vulnerable group of pedestrians who may be less focused on road safety due to their anticipation of the event.

Fiona Hodge’s age of 69 years may have been considered by the court during sentencing, as older drivers sometimes receive different considerations in criminal cases. However, the court ultimately determined that the careless driving resulted in fatal consequences that warranted imprisonment rather than alternative sentencing options.

The testimony from witnesses including friends of the defendant is particularly notable in this case, as it demonstrates that even those close to the accused were able to observe and report the careless driving behavior. This type of witness testimony often strengthens prosecution cases in careless driving incidents.

The trophY created in Donna’s memory for the best Fire Cadet in Wales represents the lasting impact of her contribution to the Fire Service and her passion for helping young people through the cadet program. This memorial trophy serves as a permanent reminder of Donna’s legacy and her commitment to youth development.

Prediction: How This Development Can affect Road Users and Pedestrians in Bristol

This sentencing decision will likely have several measurable effects on road users and pedestrians in Bristol and beyond. For pedestrians walking near major venues like Ashton Gate Stadium, the case reinforces the importance of vigilance even when walking on pavements, as the incident demonstrated that vehicles can occasionally drive onto pedestrian areas. This may lead to increased caution among concert-goers and other event attendees who walk to major venues.

For drivers in the Bristol area, particularly those traveling on A370 Brunel Way and other routes to Ashton Gate Stadium, the one-year prison sentence serves as a clear warning about the serious consequences of careless driving.

The combination of imprisonment, legal costs exceeding £3,000, and a two-and-half-year driving ban creates a substantial penalty that may deter careless driving behavior. Drivers may become more conscious of lane discipline and pavement avoidance, particularly during high-traffic periods when concerts and events are occurring.

The case may also influence local authorities’ approach to road safety measures around major venues. Bristol City Council and local police may consider implementing additional safety measures such as increased signage, pavement barriers, or enhanced enforcement during event times to prevent similar incidents.

The Serious Collision Investigation Team’s public statement emphasizes the seriousness of careless driving consequences, which could lead to more public awareness campaigns about road safety.

For the broader community, particularly those connected to emergency services like the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, this case highlights the vulnerability of even experienced and responsible individuals like Donna Crossman.

The creation of the memorial trophy for Fire Cadets suggests that organizations may use this case to reinforce safety training and awareness among their members, particularly young people involved in cadet programs.

The sentencing also demonstrates the British legal system’s ability to deliver justice in careless driving cases, which may encourage other victims’ families to pursue legal action when similar incidents occur. The parents’ statement that the sentence “proves the British legal system works” may strengthen public confidence in the judicial process for traffic-related fatalities.

Looking forward, this case may contribute to statistical data on careless driving incidents in urban areas, potentially influencing future road safety legislation or enforcement priorities.

The involvement of witnesses who were friends of the defendant suggests that community members may be more willing to report careless driving behavior, which could lead to increased detection and prevention of such incidents.

For concert venue operators and event organizers, the case may prompt reviews of pedestrian safety protocols around their venues, including better signage, designated walking areas, and coordination with local authorities to ensure safe pedestrian access during major events.

The Take That concert venue at Ashton Gate Stadium may specifically review their pedestrian safety measures given the direct connection to this incident.

The long-term impact of this case will likely be measured through changes in driving behavior, reduction in similar incidents, and continued public awareness about the consequences of careless driving. The combination of criminal penalty, financial costs, and driving ban creates a comprehensive punishment that may serve as an effective deterrent for other drivers considering careless driving behavior in Bristol and surrounding areas.