No jail for psychologist over road death

Katrina Elise Parker was driving to work at 20km/h just after 8am on the morning of February 28, 2019 when she hit and killed pedestrian Magda Pashley at Ringwood East.

Parker was turning right in her Mazda when she cut a corner and crossed onto the wrong side of Merinda St.

Ms Pashley, 81, was using a walking frame to make her way across the street when Parker struck her, knocking her to the ground.

She was rushed to the Alfred Hospital but died some days later from head injuries.

Parker, who had called an ambulance after the crash, later told police the sun was in her eyes and she had not seen Ms Pashley.

She was set to face a County Court trial in March, but pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death.

Parker, 37, will serve a two-year community corrections order involving 250 hours of unpaid community work.

Ms Pashley was a much loved senior citizen and Parker's action caused the woman's family significant grief, Judge Martine Marich said.

Her son Henry Pashley described his mother as an energetic and happy soul who had many years of life ahead of her.

"Everyday I tell her that I love her, that I am proud of her, and I thank her for what she has done for me," he said in a victim impact statement read to the court.

His sister Deborah resigned from her nursing job as she could no longer cope after the death of her mother, and she found herself consumed by anxiety and heartbreak.

Judge Marich said Parker lived an otherwise blameless life and was genuinely remorseful for the severe pain and loss she caused.

"You have been overwhelmed by remorse for your wrongdoing," she said.

Parker has a toddler and is pregnant with her second child, while her long-term partner has chronic health problems.

The prospect of a jail term weighed heavily on her as it would mean being separated from her child, Judge Marich said.

Parker's driving licence was also cancelled for three years.

Australian Associated Press