Woman admits causing head on crash after mother took ill 

A motorist who caused a head on collision after her mother became ill in her car has appeared in court.

62-year-old Lynda Regan pleaded guilty to causing serious bodily harm by driving without due care and consideration on June 5th last year.

Magistrates at Douglas Courthouse yesterday heard how she'd "lost concentration momentarily". 

The Strang woman was driving along Peel Road when she became distracted by her mother who'd slumped in the passenger seat and was making "funny noises".

During the lapse her Suzuki drifted into the opposite carriageway and crashed into a van travelling towards her. 

The driver suffered a fracture to his sternum, broken toes, a sprained wrist and a cut to his forehead - the prosecutor told the court her mother had also "died as a result of the incident". 

Entering a basis of plea Regan's advocate said it was a "momentary lapse" of two to three seconds and added she was travelling at between 22 and 25 miles per hour. 

He told the court the death of her mother - 84-year-old Phyllis Hine - was a "sad consequence" adding "This accident could have happened to anyone, my heart goes out to this lady". 

Pre-sentence reports have been requested before Regan is sentenced on February 23rd - she's been bailed until then.