An 82-year-old woman who was still behind the wheel despite having macular degeneration in both eyes has admitted causing death by careless driving.

Angela Kendall, of Andlers Ash Road, Liss, was 78 when her blue Skoda Yeti SUV collided with Margaret Freemantle on April 4, 2022.

Mrs Freemantle, 76, from Petersfield, died at the scene outside Churcher’s College in Ramshill, Petersfield.

Kendall had been suffering from macular degeneration, which affects straight-ahead vision, in both eyes for several years.

She initially denied the offence and was due to stand trial at Southampton Crown Court on Monday, but changed her plea to guilty.

Kendall also admitted three counts of making a false statement to obtain a driving licence by failing to disclose her condition on January 12, 2017, January 10, 2019, and February 27, 2020.

She stopped driving in January 2024.

Addressing the defence, Judge Nigel Peters KC said: “I am short-sighted and I wouldn’t dream of getting into my car without my glasses on. Your client had visual impairment, simple as that. She should not have been driving.”

He added: “What’s sad about this case is how long it’s taken to come to a finale, and it’s sad for the relatives of Mrs Freemantle that it’s taken so long.

“Lawyers do their best for their client, and when the lawyers thought it should be investigated by experts it takes time.

“This is a case of lawyer-led defence. That is no criticism of the lawyers, they are there to do the best for their client.”

Kendall, who had already surrendered her licence, was disqualified from driving.

Judge Peters said: “I’m very sorry that this case has taken so long but there have been various proceedings in the past and that’s the system. The defence have defended this case to the hilt.”

Kendall was granted unconditional bail while pre-sentence reports are prepared. She will be sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on January 22.

Age-related macular degeneration affects central vision, making tasks such as reading and recognising faces difficult. It does not usually affect side vision or cause total blindness.