A policewoman is facing a misconduct inquiry after she was banned from driving for colliding with an elderly man while she was answering a 999 call.

PC Victoria Richards, 29, was driving a marked police car along Eastbourne seafront at speeds of more than 60mph after reports of a fight in the town.

Her car collided with retired electrical engineer David Lloyd, 83, who was thrown on to the bonnet and into the windscreen. He died 13 days later in hospital.

His wife, Linda, now 84, suffered bruising and a broken arm.

Richards, an officer for six years, denied the careless driving charge but was convicted yesterday after a two-day trial at Lewes Magistrates Court.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigated the fatal accident.

After the hearing, IPCC Commissioner David Petch said: "This was a very tragic accident and our thoughts go out to Mr Lloyd's widow and family. The officer will now have to face a Sussex Police misconduct hearing after being convicted of careless driving."

Magistrates ruled Richards had failed to slow down to a safe speed along Grand Parade, which was busy with people enjoying an evening stroll in September 2004.

Magistrate Pamela Stiles said: "We find the speed and manner of her driving demonstrated she was driving without due care and attention. We are satisfied the prosecution proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt and therefore we find her guilty.

"We fully recognise the tragedy this matter has bought to all concerned and all have to live with the consequences."

Richards, who lives in Seaford, was banned from driving for 15 months and fined £1,000 plus £200 costs.

An investigation showed at times her speed reached 62mph. The speed limit is 30mph.

Richards, who gave birth 11 weeks ago, struggled not to break down as she told the court of the fatal accident which happened as she and a colleague drove to answer an emergency call reporting 20 men fighting on the Kingsmere estate. It later turned out to be a hoax.

She said she recalled driving with the sirens and blue lights on along the seafront but had no memory of the time just before the impact when she hit the couple, who had travelled from their home in Gwent, Wales, for a week-long holiday.

The couple, who had been married for 61 years and had four children, were crossing Grand Parade from the seafront back to their hotel when they were struck.

Richards said: "I remember Mr and Mrs Lloyd becoming visible in the middle of the road.

"I remember they kept walking. I remember wishing them to stop. They didn't seem to see me coming."

She said after the collision she sat in the car screaming. She said: "I remember sitting there screaming holding the steering wheel."

She then got out of the Ford Focus and tried to help Mr Lloyd. She added: "I believe I was driving appropriately in the circumstances."

After the guilty verdict, the officer wiped away tears as an emotional statement from Mr Lloyd's son, Huw, was read out to the court. He said: "We are all doing what we can to help our mother to cope with the trauma that ended a marriage and took a life's companion in such a tragic and unnecessary way."