A DRIVER fell asleep at the wheel and caused a head-on collision killing her own mother.

Janet Macey was driving her 88-year-old mother’s car when she drifted into the opposite carriageway.

Margaret Skeet was killed when the Honda Jazz crashed into another car on the A229 at Hurst Green.

A 68-year-old man from Heathfield suffered serious injuries when she collided with his Ford Mondeo.

Macey, 65, was also seriously injured in the incident on the afternoon of February 26 202 Members of the public rushed to help and she told them she had suddenly fallen asleep while driving.

Macey, of Dr Hope’s Road, Cranbrook, Kent, also admitted this in police interview.

She was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Macey was due to stand trial but later pleaded guilty.

She appeared before Lewes Crown Court on Monday, July 26, where she was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

She was also disqualified from driving for 10 years and will be required to take an extended re-test before she drives again.

Detective constable Kelly Newton, of the serious collision investigation unit, said: “As seen by this tragic case, falling asleep at the wheel can be devastating for the driver, any passengers and other road users.

“Any collision that occurs as a result of falling asleep at the wheel is classified as dangerous driving – this is a very serious offence which comes with a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment.

“I hope this case serves as a reminder to other motorists to take steps to avoid the same mistakes.”