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Woman driver who killed boy in buggy 'was suicidal'
Bo Wilson03.12.08
A woman who knocked down and killed a 15-month-old boy in a pushchair had been trying to commit suicide, it was claimed in court today.
Katie Gutierrez-Perez, 40, wept as she admitted causing the death of Finlay Woods by dangerous driving.
She faces a long jail sentence after Snaresbrook crown court heard how she caused the accident in Chingford, mounting the kerb in her 4x4.
Her defence lawyer Sue Rodham said she wanted to gather medical reports and character evidence on her client, adding: "It is obviously appreciated that this matter will result in a custodial sentence. There was quite clearly a failed suicide attempt and there is a history of depression."
Gutierrez-Perez, of Chingford, has also been charged with driving while under the influence of drink and drugs. But she did not answer to that charge in court today.
It had previously been reported that her struggling restaurant had been closed by bailiffs days before the accident, and she was in debt. It was believed the mother of two had a furious row with her sister.
Today Judge Timothy King told Gutierrez-Perez - who appeared via video-link: "A substantial custodial sentence will be inevitable."
He remanded her in custody until a sentencing hearing on 7 January. Outside court Finlay's parents welcomed the judge's words.
Finlay's mother Tina, 31, said afterwards that the prospect of a long sentence for Gutierrez-Perez was a relief.
"No sentence, 10 years, 50 years, would ever make us feel any better, or bring Finlay back, but it will keep her off the streets," she said.
She said she doubted the claim of a suicide attempt, adding: "If she was contemplating suicide and was that distraught, why would you bother about getting in your car?"
Her husband Roger, 32, a data engineer, added: "It was good to hear [the judge] say she would get a lengthy sentence."
The couple have three other children: Livvy, seven, Dillon, five, and Harvey, four.
The court had heard how Mrs Woods was pushing her son along when the car careered onto the pavement by the gates of Selwyn Junior School in Cavendish Road, dragging the buggy under the wheels.
Finlay was taken to Whipps Cross Hospital but died soon after.
Mrs Woods said: "Harvey witnessed it: he has flashbacks, episodes of rage. The other two are quite withdrawn, they don't really speak about it." Asked how they were all coping in the run-up to Christmas, she said: "If it was just us, we wouldn't celebrate Christmas, but we've got the other children to think about. It will be low key."
Asked if they had any sympathy for Gutierrez-Perez when they saw her weeping, they shook their heads, and Mr Woods added: "She's a weak, weak individual."
Gutierrez-Perez also admitted driving without insurance.
She had no previous convictions for traffic matters and a clean driving licence, the court heard.
Reader views (8)
we all have problems, and if we feel suicidal at any stage, why put others in danger, thousands are in debt, in danger of losing businesses and homes etc, but finlays family have lost something far more precious than money. How can anyone feel sorry for her, she deserves all she gets and if you do feel for her imagine if she had killed YOUR child, you'd feel different then. Shame on her, she's ruined an innocent familys life, and taken the life of a toddler, suicidal is all she deerves to feel. There is lots of help out there for people in debt.
- Tracey, margate, england
When the truth behind this tragic case comes out, which I hope it will before sentencing in January, I think the public will view this driver very differently. I don't condone the extreme folly of getting behind the wheel of a car when you are drunk. However, faced with the treachery and dishonesty - from a surprising source -that led this lady to lose her restaurant business, few of us would feel anything but helplessness and despair.
- Melissa, Chingford, UK
What rubbish: you don't commit suicide by getting in a 4x4 - in London - and crashing into a school gate. It's a total red herring aimed at getting her a light sentence for causing death while, presumably, drink driving.
- Justin, Winchester
Why on earth choose to crash your car outside/near a school? If you want to commit suicide, do it away from other people/so it doesn't impact on other innocent people. [Of course, your own family will be devastated for life....]
- Suzy, Essex
I feel sorry for this woman, as not only did she try to end her life, but now as she accidently killed an innocent child. She is going to be sent to prison, where no doubt she will try to end her life again. A prison sentence is not suitable for this, more people have got off more lightly for worse crimes than this. She needs help and not prison.
- Kuldip, London, UK
Just another example of what a selfish action suicide is.
- Liberal Thinker, UK
why is it that most suicidal people manage to kill otheres and not themselves?
- Linda, italy
Our thoughts are with the family of this tragic event.
- Y H, London
