A WOMAN has been locked up after seriously injuring an elderly pensioner in a horror collision while she crossed the road.

Police say her careless actions left the victim in a life-threatening condition in hospital.

Deborah Cubas De Souza has also been banned from the roads for her reckless behaviour behind the wheel which caused the crash in Latchford.

The 27-year-old, from the Wigan area, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, May 5, to be sentenced.

This came after she previously pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and driving without insurance.

Warrington Guardian: The scene of the crash on Knutsford RoadThe scene of the crash on Knutsford Road (Image: Warrington Guardian)

The court heard how the incident unfolded on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 5, when De Souza was driving a black Toyota Yaris on Knutsford Road in Latchford, heading towards the town centre.

At around 12.44pm, the defendant approached a pedestrian crossing when her car struck a pedestrian who was crossing the road.

The pedestrian, an 81-year-old local woman, was rushed to Royal Salford Hospital, where she spent three weeks receiving treatment after sustaining a severe head laceration.

She is still recovering from the initial life-threatening injuries following the collision.

De Souza, of Templeton Road in Platt Bridge, was sentenced to eight months in prison.

Warrington Guardian: The scene of the crash on Knutsford RoadThe scene of the crash on Knutsford Road (Image: Warrington Guardian)

In addition to her prison sentence, she was also disqualified from driving for two years and four months and must pass an extended driving test before getting behind the wheel again.

The sentence was welcomed by DC Lisa Evans-Hill, from Cheshire Police’s serious and complex collision investigation unit.

She said: “Driving is a privilege, not a right, and it comes with great responsibility to act within the rules laid down when you pass your test.

“In this case, De Souza clearly breached these rules and her driving was totally unacceptable, leaving her victim with injuries that could have been fatal.

“I hope that the sentence handed to De Souza will provide some closure to the victim and her family and I hope it acts as a warning to others.

“The rules of the road are there for a reason and they apply to everyone. They are not just there to protect you, but also to protect other motorists and pedestrians.”