Grieving families of two elderly individuals who lost their lives in an ambulance collision are still seeking answers more than two years after the tragic incident. Despite the driver, Julie Ijere, admitting guilt for causing death by careless driving, concerns remain unresolved. Ijere, facing charges at Cambridge Crown Court, received a suspended 20-month prison sentence, a five-year driving ban, and the requirement to undergo an extended retest.
Detective Inspector Dave McCormack of Suffolk Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit expressed sympathy for the families of Jane Blampied and Anthony Dawbarn, acknowledging their patience throughout the legal process. While Ijere took responsibility by pleading guilty, the exact cause of the collision remains unknown, causing frustration for the bereaved families.
The fatal accident occurred when the ambulance driven by Ijere, transporting two patients and accompanied by a colleague, veered into oncoming traffic near Newmarket, Suffolk, on December 19, 2023. The collision resulted in the ambulance tipping over, leading to the death of 93-year-old Anthony Dawbarn, a patient being transported at the time.
Following a thorough investigation that included reviewing CCTV and dashcam footage, Suffolk Police confirmed that the ambulance had crossed into the opposite lane just before the crash. Despite no evidence of distractions or mobile phone use by Ijere, who was under prescription medication, there was no indication that her driving ability was impaired by the medication.
At the court hearing, victim personal statements from the affected families emphasized the profound and lasting impact of the tragedy. In addition to her sentence, Ijere was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, engage in a 15-day rehabilitation program, pay a £500 victim surcharge, and cover £187 in costs.