Woman killed in A143 crash at Diss was 'instantly likeable'

Michelle Overy, 45, died after her Ford C-Max was hit by Alicia Clarke's Mercedes car at Thorpe Abbotts, near Diss.

The A143 at Thorpe Abbotts (Image: Google)Earlier this week, Clarke, 49, was jailed for two-and-a-half years after she admitted causing death by dangerous driving.

Alicia Clarke (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)The Old Bailey in London heard Clarke, a mother-of-three from Bury Road, Wortham, near Diss, had taken medication bought over the internet - including pregabalin and Xanax - for her anxiety at the time of the smash.

Clarke - a director of Mrs Clarke's General Store, an interiors shop in Harleston - suffered from undiagnosed post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of having had nine miscarriages.

The court was told her combination of drugs would, "more likely than not", have impaired her ability to drive.

The Old Bailey (Image: PA)The family of Mrs Overy, a mother-of-two who worked at the Limes Primary Academy in Oulton Broad, released a statement following the sentencing hearing, stating she was a "loving mother and friend".

Michelle Overy (Image: Submitted)It said: "She was devoted to her role as a teacher's assistant.

"Michelle was loved and respected by all of the children she worked with.

"Michelle was instantly likeable and will be missed by everyone who knew her.

"We all miss you Michelle, rest in peace."

The court heard Clarke's car was on the wrong side of the road when it hit Mrs Overy's, on December 18, 2020.

Andy Hughes, serious collision investigation unit supervisor at Norfolk police, said: "This is a tragic case for all concerned. Our condolences are with Michelle’s family.

"This case highlights the dangers around self-medication of prescription drugs and the need to read the advice notes where they are lawfully prescribed.

"It is not just recreational drugs which can impair the ability to drive."