A 93-year-old driver avoided imprisonment after hitting a six-year-old boy while running a red light, causing the child to suffer permanent brain damage. Phyllis Grassi failed to notice the change in traffic lights as she drove her silver Smart Fortwo towards a pedestrian crossing. The impact of the collision sent the boy flying into the air, landing next to a telegraph pole with severe head injuries.
The boy’s father, who witnessed the incident, tried to catch his son but could not prevent the impact. The child was airlifted to the hospital and underwent brain surgery, spending six weeks in a coma. The court was informed that the boy sustained life-altering injuries, including vision loss, hearing impairment, mobility issues, and cognitive challenges.
Grassi pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving and received a suspended 26-week prison sentence due to her age and health condition. The prosecution described how the boy believed it was safe to cross the road when the pedestrian light signaled, but Grassi’s failure to stop led to the tragic accident.
In a victim impact statement, the family expressed the ongoing nightmare they have endured since the incident, highlighting the significant changes in the boy’s life. Grassi, who had surrendered her driving license, expressed deep remorse for the incident, attributing it to a momentary lapse of concentration.
The court acknowledged the severity of the injuries inflicted on the boy and the trauma caused to the family. Grassi was disqualified from driving for five years and ordered to pay costs and victim surcharge. The judge emphasized the gravity of the situation but considered Grassi’s ill health and low risk of reoffending in the future.
