The trial of a Kingston Hospital doctor whose car hit Surrey Comet features editor June Sampson has been adjourned for the fourth time.

June, 81, whose married name is Tims, was hit by a car driven by consultant obstetrician Andrew Breeze, 39, from Leeds on November 26 last year.

Mr Breeze pulled out from Kingston Hospital’s car park in Galsworthy Road before hitting her as she was crossing the road.

Mr Breeze, who studied medicine at Cambridge University, denies driving his Volkswagen Passat without due care and attention.

Almost a year on since the accident – which left her recovering in St George’s Hospital for six months with several broken bones and a bleed on the brain – the case has stalled yet again.

A trial was due to take place on Monday, November 17, but has now been rescheduled for April 7, 2015.

Her daughter Anna Dowler said: "This latest setback, a week before the anniversary of the accident, has made a painful time even harder for the family.

“We are shocked that in current law the offence of causing serious injury by careless driving does not exist and that my mother’s ruined life is, legally, of no more account than if the defendant had felled a lamppost.

“June has made a remarkable physical recovery, but she who used to care for her disabled husband, [and] is now dependent on him and her children. She can no longer drive, write or cook a meal.

“She has lost her career, her sense of purpose and her self-worth. And since this latest delay she has lost hope.

“It seems to us that we have been left to pay the price for what happened that November night while, as far as the law is concerned, it is a trivial matter that can be put repeatedly on the back burner.”

Earlier this year the grandmother and mother-of-two,became the first woman in Kingston in modern times to be awarded the honour of freedom of the borough.

She has worked for the Surrey Comet for 40 years and was given a standing ovation at the ceremony in the Guildhall, where she made one of her first public appearances since the accident.

A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said: “This case was first passed to the CPS by the police on August 6, 2014.

“A case progression hearing was held on August 12 and a trial date was fixed for November 17.

“On September 4 we wrote to the court to explain that a police witness was not available to attend the trial as he was required to attend another case at the Crown Court, which has to take priority.

“We asked the court to fix a new date for trial.

“The court listed the matter on November 14 and a new trial date was provided for April 7, 2015.

“We believe this was the first date the court could offer when all parties were available.

“We understand that delays in the process can be difficult for victims and their families.

“However, it is important that all key witnesses are available to give their evidence in court so we can present the strongest case possible.”

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