Moulton – Woman sentenced following double fatal collision in 2023

A 60-year-old woman has been handed a suspended sentence following a fatal collision in Moulton in 2023 where two people died.

Julie Ijere, of Shakespeare Road, Stowmarket, appeared before Cambridge Crown Court today, Wednesday 5 August, where she was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 30 months. She has also been disqualified from driving for five years and will have to take an extended retest.

Ijere pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving at a previous hearing on Monday 27 April, in respect of the deaths of Jane Blampied, aged 70, and Anthony Dawbarn, aged 93.

The incident occurred at around 7.30pm on Tuesday 19th December 2023 on the B1506 Bury Road, between Kentford and Newmarket.

Julie Ijere was driving a patient transport ambulance operated by a private transport service. In the rear of the ambulance was another employee of the company and two patients – one of whom was Anthony Dawbarn. The vehicle was being driven towards Newmarket.

Jane Blampied was driving a Volkswagen Golf in the opposite direction towards Kentford when the ambulance drifted into the Golf’s path, causing a serious collision which resulted in the ambulance tipping onto its side.

Mrs Blampied and Mr Dawbarn suffered serious injuries as a result of the collision and were taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where they both sadly died two days later on Thursday 21 December.  

As part of the collision investigation CCTV from the area and dashcam footage from the ambulance was reviewed and the dashcam footage clearly showed that just prior to the collision, the ambulance crossed the broken white lines in the middle of the road onto the other side and into the path of the VW Golf.

The investigation found no evidence that there were any distractions from inside the ambulance, or that Ijere had been interacting with her phone. She was on prescription medication at the time but again there was no evidence to suggest this adversely affected her ability to drive safely.

In the absence of any other factor, it is the driver who is responsible for maintaining control of their vehicle and it is clear in this instance that Julie Ijere failed to do so, the reason for which is unknown.     

Victim personal statements from both families were read during the hearing, highlighting the enduring impact the tragic losses have had on the families, friends and loved ones of Mrs Blampied and Mr Dawbarn.

In addition to her sentence, Ijere will have to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work, as well as take part in a 15-day rehabilitation activity programme. She was also ordered to pay a £500 victim surcharge and £187 in costs.

Detective Inspector Dave McCormack, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This has been a tragic case for the families of Jane Blampied and Anthony Dawbarn to deal with. It has taken a long time to be brought to court and I thank the families for their patience.

“Julie Ijere has pleaded guilty and therefore taken responsibility, however this still doesn’t give the families the answer as to what caused the collision. This is understandably a cause of frustration for them.

“Drivers must fully recognise that they have a responsibility to other road users to drive safely, concentrate and be fit to drive at all times when they are behind the wheel.

“Sincere thanks should also be passed on to the members of public and emergency services for all efforts made to save the lives of the two victims on that terrible evening.”