Driver who hit pensioner and her dog in Clacton is sentenced

A man has received a 12-week sentence, suspended for 18 months, after driving into a pensioner and her dog leaving them injured in the road in Clacton.

23-year-old Conor Bruff collided with victim Valerie Grove, aged in her 70s, and her Bichon Frise in March this year.

Bruff stopped his van momentarily and got out to speak to the victim, who was laying in the middle of the road in shock, before getting back into the van and driving over the pavement to continue his journey.

He handed himself in at Clacton police station the next day.

Beau the Bichon Frise suffered a serious leg injury, which cost a four-figure sum to treat. He has now made a full recovery.

Mrs Grove suffered serious bruising and was unable to walk properly for several weeks after the incident.

Bruff was sentenced at Colchester Magistrates’ Court last week. He must undertake 80 hours of unpaid work and has been disqualified from driving for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay a three-figure sum in costs.