Police praise ‘dignity’ of family of woman mowed down at pedestrian crossing

Patricia Grace, 74, was hit by the HGV on Oxford Road in Kidlington as she was crossing just before 9.30am on October 20, 2022.

She sustained multiple injuries and died at the scene a short time after being struck.

Dariusz Meczynski, aged 51, of no fixed abode, was jailed for three years and nine months at Oxford Crown Court last Monday (December 9) for causing death by dangerous driving.

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Oliver Grace, Patricia’s son, provided a statement talking of the completely avoidable and needless death of his beloved mother.

He added that it was “criminally dangerous driving” and that the defendant was “woefully distracted for a prolonged period of time.”

(Image: TVP) Lead investigator Richard Thorpe, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Tragically, as a direct result of Meczynski’s driving, he failed to stop at a red traffic light and collided with the victim resulting in her death.

“My thoughts and the thoughts of all of us remain with the victim’s family and friends who have shown great dignity and patience while we brought this case to court.

“Meczynski will now have to serve a prison sentence, where I hope he reflects on this needless and avoidable tragedy.”