THE family of a woman who was fatally struck by four men joyriding in a stolen HGV say they will never be able to get over her death after those responsible were collectively sentenced to almost 50 years in jail yesterday.

Jacqueline Wileman, 58, was walking on her daily route on Common Road, Brierley, when she was hit by the HGV - which was being driven ‘on or near its 55mph speed limiter’ before it careered off the road, struck three vehicles and Mrs Wileman before severely damaging a newly-built house - at about 1.30pm on September 14 last year.

The unlicensed driver, 23-year-old Karn Hill, of East View, Cudworth - who failed a roadside breath test following the crash - pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at a hearing on November 16 of last year and was given a ten-and-a-half year jail term at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday.

Three other men, 48-year-old David Mellor, of Bank End Road, Worsbrough Dale; Wayne Carroll, 29, of Chestnut Street, Grimethorpe and 53-year-old Alan Mawhinney, of Calder Crescent, Kendray, were travelling in the vehicle at the time of the crash and were also found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking on Wednesday.

During the course of the three-week trial, a 12-person jury heard about the run-up to the fatal collision and how Mellor, who was employed by Barnsley-based City Freight Services, effectively held the HGV to ransom over a dispute about unpaid wages.

Mawhinney and Carroll each received a 12-and-a-half year jail term, while Mellor was given a 13-year sentence to reflect him being the original vehicle taker.

Mum-of-two Jacqueline’s brother, Johnny Wood, told the Chronicle after the sentencing that life sentences should be brought in for those who are found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

“These people should not be allowed to breathe the same air as us,” he added. “If someone dies of cancer or an illness, you can come to terms with that but the way in which Jacqueline died will be something we will never come to terms with.

“We’re all devastated but the sentences are a good result for the police, who have been brilliant with us since the incident. For us, justice will never be served as their behaviour handed us a life sentence of our own. These four men caused havoc and terrorised the Barnsley community.”

Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson QC, said Mrs Wileman was the victim of a ‘malignant enterprise’.

He said: “Jacqueline Wileman was a much-loved woman and someone who was innocently walking through Brierley when she was killed.

“She was the victim of a malignant enterprise in which four men were seen by witnesses laughing and joking. As such, each defendant shares the full weight of responsibility.

“The driver, Karn Hill, had no ability, no licence and was found to be over the legal drink-drive limit following a roadside breath test. This was a stolen vehicle and the four men bragged about this.

“The collision, which involved three other vehicles, Mrs Wileman and a house - which has been demolished and will be rebuilt - was the final example of deplorable conduct.

“At no stage did the men seek to stop Hill’s driving and disassociate themselves, instead encouraging him. Not a thought was given to anyone’s safety and an innocent pedestrian was killed.

“We’ve seen the full horror on CCTV, which is chilling and disturbing to watch.

“This was a joyride, but there’s nothing joyful about it.”