A ‘DISTRACTED’ driver who killed a grandmother when he veered onto the other side of the road has avoided jail.

Police were called just after 9am on Wednesday, March 22, last year, to a report of a collision involving an orange Mini Clubman and a silver Suzuki Wagon R on the A3057 Romsey Road in Andover.

The driver of the Suzuki, 71-year-old Margaret Taylor, from Stockbridge, died.

On Tuesday, April 9, Richard Wake, the driver of the Mini, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving.

READ MORE: 'Distracted' driver who swerved into oncoming traffic killed loving grandmother

Margaret Taylor (Image: Hampshire Constabulary) Wake, of Deep Lane, in Basingstoke, was sentenced at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Monday, June 3.

The 32-year-old was given a 16-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work.

He was also banned from driving for 12 months, along with being told to pay court costs of £85 and a £154 victim surcharge fee.

Prosecutor Kerry Richardson told the court in April, at Wake’s plea hearing: "The vehicle being driven by Margaret Taylor was being driven excellently and below the speed limit.

"The Mini was driving fast but there is no evidence to show it was in excess of the speed limit.

"The vehicle being driven by Wake suddenly crossed onto the central line, he looked up and swerved away to avoid a collision with another vehicle.

"Due to his steering, he lost control of the vehicle and drifted back onto the oncoming lane and hit the Suzuki. It had nowhere to go to avoid the collision."

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Ms Richardson told the court that it is likely 32-year-old Wake, who has no memory of the crash, was "distracted by something which took his attention away from the road".

"She (Ms Taylor) had insufficient time or space to take avoiding action," the prosecutor added.

In mitigation Joanna Brennand said at the time: "He (Wake) has no previous convictions and is extremely remorseful for what happened."

Ms Brennand told the court that Wake was an "inexperienced driver" and he suffered concussion from the incident and has since struggled with memory loss.

Mrs Taylor’s family previously paid tribute to her, saying: "Margaret was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother who will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. 

"She had a heart of gold and would do anything she could to help others.

"Our lives will never be the same again. We would like to thank all the emergency services and people on the scene that came to help."