Rosie Hanson, 21, was speeding at up to 68mph in a 40mph zone when she struck and killed Ryan Phillips, 27, who was walking with his girlfriend to celebrate his new job. The incident occurred on January 17, 2024, along Marine Parade in Sheerness, Kent. Hanson claimed she swerved to avoid a cat, but the court heard her speed and abrupt steering caused her to lose control, mounting the pavement and hitting the couple.
Court Hearing and Sentencing
At Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday, Judge Julian Smith sentenced Hanson to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered 220 hours of unpaid work. She was also disqualified from driving for three years and must pass an extended driving test. Hanson had initially denied causing death by careless driving but later pleaded guilty to causing death while uninsured.
Prosecutor Tom Nicholson told the court that Hanson's iPhone data showed she was traveling between 54 and 68mph before the collision. He noted that her account of seeing an animal was "difficult to confirm or negate." The judge found Hanson was driving at approximately 60mph based on expert analysis.
Victim Impact Statements
Ryan Phillips was walking to a restaurant with his girlfriend Sophie Rowe to celebrate passing his apprenticeship as an IT technician. Rowe said in a victim impact statement that the couple had been together for nearly four years and were planning to move in together. Phillips had told her the night before his death that he planned to save for an engagement ring. "Losing Ryan has ruined my life. I intended to spend the rest of my life with him," she said.
Phillips' mother, Catherine Phillips, described him as her "best friend" and a "selfless" person. "All that future has been taken away in an instant. My life has fallen apart," she said. She also expressed frustration that Hanson was allowed to go home the night of the incident and was charged by email.
Defense and Remorse
Hanson's lawyer, Allan Goh, said the sentencing was the first opportunity for Hanson to express her feelings toward Phillips' family. In a letter read to the court, Hanson wrote: "I can't put it into words how sorry I am this ever happened and if I could go back and change it, I would in seconds." The judge noted Hanson's young age (19 at the time) and low risk of re-offending as factors in the suspended sentence.
Judge Smith emphasized that the sentence was "no measure" of Phillips' life but reflected Hanson's culpability. He stated, "Speeding to get a job done to deliver pizzas is stupid, but it is not of itself malicious." Hanson was also sentenced to nine months concurrently for driving while uninsured, as her insurance did not cover business use.
