Parminder Dhinsa Was Killed As A Coach Collided With Her Vehicle On A1018 Slip Road In January

The family of a much loved grandmother from County Durham have spoken of their grief as her killer was found guilty to causing death by careless driving at Peterlee Magistrates Court. 

Parminder Dhinsa was fatally injured when a passenger-less coach collided with her black Vauxhall Corsa on the A1018 slip road on the northbound side of the A19, near Seaham. 

Today, Paul Edward Miller, 28 from Peterlee, was found guilty of causing death by careless driving. Miller was sentenced to 12 months Community Order and 60 hours unpaid work as well as 12 month disqualification and ordered to pay £625 in court costs and £85 Victim Surcharge. 

Following the crash, Parminder’s husband, Lakhvir Singh Dhinsa, instructed fatal accident specialist Solicitors at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the crash and to support them through the criminal proceedings. 

Maria Harvey, the serious injury specialist at Irwin Mitchell representing Parminder’s family, said: 

Expert Opinion

“Parminder’s death was extremely tragic and has been felt by a lot of people as she was well known in her community.

“As this case shows, the consequences of careless driving can be fatal and devastating. We will continue to work with Lakhvir and the family to ensure they receive the support they need.” Maria Harvey - Chartered Legal Executive

In the aftermath of the crash, the grandmother-of-two received emergency surgery at the scene but she later died of her injuries.

Parminder, 56 from Peterlee, had two sons with Lakhvir, 35-year-old Jaspreet, and Steven, 30. Her grandchildren are five and three.

Lakhvir, who runs the family-owned off licence in Wheatley Hill and fish and chip shop in Trimdon Station, said: “Parminder’s death absolutely devastated the family. We still have not come to terms with the fact that she is no longer with us.

“She was a pivotal member of the family, it is just so upsetting that she will not see our grandchildren grow up.

“Although today’s verdict brings us some relief that justice has been served, the cold fact is nothing will ever bring Parminder back and that is just heartbreaking.”

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