Former Magistrate Susan Mackay Given Suspended Sentence for Driving into Woman at Doncaster Hospital
A former magistrate has been given a suspended prison sentence for dangerous driving after she rammed a woman out of the way while attempting to park in a hospital disabled bay.
Susan Mackay, 73, was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, at Leeds Crown Court. She was also disqualified from driving for one year and ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation to the victim, Kelly White.
Incident at Doncaster Royal Infirmary
The court heard that on 24 January 2024, Ms Mackay, who was late for an appointment at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, made contact with Ms White in the hospital car park. Ms White stated that she was desperately trying to move her daughter's wheelchair out of the path of Ms Mackay's vehicle.
Her Honour Judge Kate Rayfield noted that Ms Mackay had "ploughed on" despite Ms White's "frantic" pleas to stop. Ms Mackay was found guilty of dangerous driving at trial, though the jury could not reach a verdict on an assault charge, which was allowed to lie on file.
Victim's Statement and Court's Rebuke
Ms White, a mother of four, delivered a victim impact statement in court, telling Ms Mackay: "You were meant to uphold the law and help victims - not create them. I was begging you to stop. You did not show any remorse, you didn't help us and you laughed when I gave evidence as a witness."
Judge Rayfield criticised Ms Mackay's "utter arrogance and superior entitlement," noting that she had shown no remorse and had reiterated her perceived entitlement to park in the disabled bay during her trial. The judge found it "difficult to reconcile" Ms Mackay's 20 years of public service as a magistrate in family courts with her conduct on the day of the incident.
Defending, Nicholas Cartmell stated that Ms Mackay had resigned as a magistrate and expressed remorse for her actions, acknowledging that her "blessed and virtuous life has gone."
