Described by police as a “callous and manipulative woman” who fled to Holland, Paula Barnes, 45, of Aldbourne Road, Baydon, was today (Tuesday) sentenced at Swindon Crown Court to a long prison term.
She was gaoled for eight years for causing death by dangerous driving plus a further five months for bail offences, the sentences will run consecutively.
She was also disqualified from driving for 10 years.
A statement issued by Inspector Steve Cox, Head of Roads Policing for Wiltshire Police, said: “We are pleased with today’s sentence as it reflects both the seriousness of these crimes and the anguish that Paula Barnes has put her victim’s family through.”
“This case has been a long and complex one after Barnes tried to evade justice by fleeing to Holland where she hoped to remain undetected.”
“The fact she was caught, arrested, extradited and has now been sentenced is testament to the hard work and dedication of the Wiltshire Police serious collision investigation team.”
“Barnes was arrested after being released from hospital on November 4th 2010 following a two vehicle collision in Foxhill, Baydon, on September 23 2010.”
“During this collision, the driver of the other vehicle involved, Diane Wright, sadly died from her injuries at the scene. Barnes was then bailed to attend court on April 15, 2011, but failed to show. Nothing was seen or heard from her again.”
He added: “After an intensive search involving the Zephyr Regional Financial Investigation Team and the Serious Organised Crime Agency, Barnes was arrested in Holland on November 9, 2012, and we were successful at an extradition hearing which led to her being brought back to the UK.”
“Barnes has proved to be a callous and manipulative woman who thought she was above the law. We hope that today, Diane’s family can feel that justice has finally been served.”