A van driver with a "cavalier" attitude got behind the wheel after smoking cannabis, before reversing over an 83-year-old great-grandma three times, leaving her to die. Beryl Howard was killed after she was hit by a Transit van being driven by Reece McKinven, who was driving with no licence or insurance. Members of the public rushed to Beryl's side to comfort her as she died of her injuries in the road.
Her family have spoken of their "heartbreak and anger" over the incident, slamming the tragedy as "entirely preventable". Beryl's son, Ray Howard, said he was angry McKinven was not handed a longer sentence as he was just under the legal limit for cannabis. "Anyone who knowingly gets into a vehicle having consumed illegal drugs should be held fully accountable for their actions," he said. McKinven, 31, hit Beryl on Green Lane Avenue, Street, Somerset, just before 5.20pm on March 16, 2023.
He ran over the nan several times as he attempted to reverse his van. When McKinven was arrested, police discovered he was carrying 0.5g of cannabis, and though he had cannabis in his system, the level was not above the legal limit. A further search of his van after it was seized resulted in more cannabis being found. He was charged with causing death by careless driving, causing death by driving a vehicle without a licence, causing death by driving a vehicle without insurance, and possession of a class B drug. He admitted the offences and was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on Tuesday to 13 months in prison. He was also banned from driving for two-and-a-half years.
Judge Paul Cook said: "I accept that you genuinely failed to realise Beryl Howard was behind you, but your van had wing mirrors with an enhanced blind spot and she was there to be seen. You have a history of offences and it shows a cavalier attitude to driving.". In a statement, Beryl's son Ray said: "Beryl was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who brought immense joy and love to all who knew her.
"Her sudden and brutal death has left our family shattered. Knowing that McKinven was driving without a licence, without insurance, and after consuming illegal drugs only deepens our heartbreak and anger at the entirely preventable nature of this tragedy. McKinven was fully aware that he was on the road illegally and showed complete disregard for the law and the safety of others; despite knowing he had struck something, he continued to drive his vehicle over Beryl a further three times.
"We are grateful that someone sat with her whilst she died, otherwise she would have been on her own in her last few minutes of life. We would like to thank all those who have supported us through this difficult time and ask for privacy as we continue to grieve and remember Beryl for the wonderful person she was.". Beryl's daughter, Sharon Perry, said her family were "devastated" by the loss of Beryl, who was "loved so very much". She said: "It's been so much harder as she suffered such a horrific death. It is so hard to bear thinking about the pain and terror she must have felt.
"We are very grateful to the members of the public who comforted her at the scene. We are a close family and saw Beryl almost every day. She is greatly missed. We will never get over what happened to her.". Investigating officer for Avon and Somerset Police, Dai Nicholas, said: "This has been an extremely distressing case for Beryl's family and our thoughts and sympathies are very much with them. We want to thank those who helped at the scene of this incident, as well as the witnesses who provided statements, which ultimately helped in our efforts to achieve a successful conviction in this case.".
