Driver using Snapchat on phone killed farmer in Northumberland crash

In mitigation, Sophie Dower said Dronsfield, a “devoted” single mother of two, had expressed “heartfelt remorse for the immeasurable pain” she had caused.

The court heard speed was not a factor in the crash and Dronsfield, who had worked for Northumberland County Council for 17 years, only used her phone for six seconds.

In a letter written to the court, Dronsfield said she had made a “huge mistake” and to know she had been responsible for someone losing their “fragile” life was a guilt she would “never overcome”.

Judge Robert Adams said the case should “send a shudder down the spine” of any driver who used a phone.

He also said it should send a “stark” warning that even a “very short period of distraction” could have “fatal consequences”.

He said that was especially the case at night when the light from the device’s screen would make visibility of the road even worse, with Dronsfield having “failed to see Mr Armstrong”.

He said Dronsfield, who had an”impeccable” driving record and no previous convictions, “didn’t set out to harm anybody” but her actions had been “devastating”.

She will serve no more than half of her sentence, equivalent to 19 months, in prison before being released on licence, the court heard.

She was also banned from driving for six years and seven months and will have to pass an extended test.

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