Driver jailed over death of woman who helped catch a grooming gang

SOCIAL WORKER DIED THREE DAYS AFTER COLLISION

- By MARTIN NAYLOR

A YOUNG social worker who “dedicated her life to making every child feel safe” died when the driver of a modified BMW lost control of it while trying to overtake a line of traffic.

Nottingham Crown Court heard that former University of Lincoln student Sarah Fensom suffered a fractured spine and life-threatening neck injuries in the collision, which made her Audi flip on its roof.

The 33-year-old victim, from Nottingham, was initially conscious after the crash but in hospital died three days later.

Now Lee Horsley, the Nottinghamshire father-of-one who caused her death, has been sent to prison at the age of 31.

Judge Michael Auty KC said: “In the opening line of his victim impact statement, Miss Fensom’s father says: ‘Sarah was a daughter that every parent would have been proud of.

"In those simple 12 words, Mr Fensom captures the life and value of a beautiful and beloved daughter he won't see again.

“Your powerful and modified car was one that would have been difficult enough to control in the dry but the road was wet.

“I say all this to explain in real terms how tragedy and incalculable human suffering can arise from a moment's inattention or a poor decision.

“I do not regard you as an inherently dangerous individual. On that day you made a dreadful error of judgement.”

Stuart Pattinson, prosecuting, said the collision happened close to White Post roundabout on the A614 Old Rufford Road, in Farnsfield, on September 12, 2023.