Man who killed sister in fatal crash spared jail as judge says he has suffered enough

Flowers at the site of the fatal crash. Picture: SU ANDERSON

John Bond, of Church Road, Tiptree, did not give way as he pulled out of Mill Lane in Tolleshunt Major on January 13 last year.

• Woman dies in two-car crashHis blue and silver Ford Connect collided with a Mercedes E320 travelling along Witham Road, causing both vehicles to mount the grass verge at the entrance of Tudwick Road.

Bond, 31, pulled his 22-year-old sister Mischa Bond – a front seat passenger in the van – out of the vehicle.

But emergency services workers pronounced her dead at the scene.

Bond was arrested shortly afterwards, and was charged on June 30 this year.

At Chelmsford Crown Court on August 30 he pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving while impaired through drugs.

Back at the same court today, Friday, October 13, he was given a two-year prison sentence suspended for two years.

He was also been banned from driving for two years, and told he will then have to take an extended retest before he can regain his licence.

During the sentencing, Her Honour Judge Patricia Lynch QC said: “Living with what you have done is punishment enough.”

She also expressed that no blame can be put on the driver of the Mercedes.

Detective Sergeant Adam High, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “John Bond’s actions were reckless and have had a truly awful outcome.

“No officer wants to knock on someone’s door to tell them a loved one has died.

“Mischa’s death was completely avoidable and the fact that it was her brother driving makes it even more tragic.

“I want to praise the strength and courage of Mischa’s family throughout the investigation.

“I would urge the media to allow them to grieve in peace.”

• Tribute paid to Mischa BondMischa’s family had previously paid tribute to her.

Her family said: “Mischa was a fun-loving girl who enjoyed life.

“She will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.”