GRIEF-STRICKEN grandchildren met with an illegal driver who killed their grandmother to tell him she wouldn’t want her death to ruin his life.

The family of Maria Ansell met with James Williams, who killed their beloved grandmother while riding an uninsured motorbike, to say they understood it was an accident.

Mrs Ansell, 90, from Leigh, was killed after being struck in London Road, Leigh at around 4.50pm on April 2 2019.

Mr Williams, 25, of Lee Park Road, Leigh, appeared at Basildon Crown Court yesterday where he dodged jail and was sentenced to unpaid work, a tagged curfew and a driving disqualification.

But the family insisted in meeting with him before, in an act described as “generous and remarkable” by Judge Samantha Cohen.

Mark Mullins, prosecuting, read out a victim impact statement from the grandchildren, saying: “She was a wonderful lady with a zest for life.

“The impact of losing her has been tremendous and we are all distraught.

“Losing her is unbearable and her life was stolen without warning.

“It hangs over us a like shadow that will never go away.

“Our grandfather relied on her and she did everything, she was his world and ran his world for 50 years.”

Mitigating, Tessa Shroff told the court Williams will punish himself for the rest of his life.

She said: “He doesn’t seek any sympathy and the incident and the impact on her family remains on his mind.

“He’s grateful for the family taking the time to speak with him.

“He accepts full responsibility and that it was carelessness that caused the accident and the remorse he feels has not dwindled.”

Speaking to Williams Judge Cohen said: “You stayed at the scene and it was clear you were distraught.

“As you know it was your speed that killed her, you have accepted responsibility and you have to live with what you have done.

“The dignity and generosity the family has shown while facing this difficult time is remarkable.

“This is a tragedy and no sentence will bring her back or repair the harm caused.”

She sentenced him to a three year community order, with 300 hours of unpaid work, a tagged curfew from 8pm to 6am, ordered him to pay compensation of £5,000 and a three year driving disqualification.