Margaret Lee dies in fatal Middletown car crash

Margaret Lee dies in fatal Middletown car crash

Fatal Middletown car crash death of Margaret Lee – Obituary

Margaret Lee, an 87-year-old local resident, tragically lost her life in a crash on the A458 near Middletown, between Welshpool and Shrewsbury, on November 27, 2023, after her car was struck head-on by a vehicle overtaking a bus.

The driver responsible, 42-year-old Matthew Parrott from Bewtown, mid Wales, was sentenced to three years in prison after admitting to causing Lee’s death by dangerously operating his Honda Civic. The court heard that Parrott ignored double white lines and signs warning of hidden dips as he attempted to pass a bus traveling at 42 mph in a 50 mph zone.

Lee had only been driving a short distance from her home to purchase a morning newspaper when the crash occurred. She suffered severe injuries and later died at the regional trauma unit in Stoke-on-Trent.

During sentencing, Judge Timothy Petts emphasized that Lee had no opportunity to avoid the crash and described the overtaking maneuver as entirely unnecessary and reckless. Parrott’s defense lawyer described him as deeply remorseful and said he was struggling to accept the consequences of his actions.

In addition to his prison sentence, Parrott was disqualified from driving for six and a half years and must complete an extended driving test before regaining his license.