Family of Rosemary Macandrew who died at the Waitorse carpark, in Newark said they will never find justice

A devastated family hopes to see changes made to UK elderly drivers policies as the man who ran over their mother died without being charged.

An inquest into the death of Rosemary Macandrew, who died on July 5, 2024 at the Waitrose carpark in Ossington Way, Newark, concluded yesterday (April 28), which found that Rose died of chest injuries after she was left trapped under a reversing vehicle.

The 61-year-old was struck by motorist by Noel Maguire, who was 89 at the time of the incident, as he struggled to park his vehicle and continuously pressed the accelerator pedal instead of the brake.

Mr Maguire, who died in March this year, had a valid driver’s licence, and there were no medical restrictions to prevent him from driving, however the coroner expressed serious concerns about the current UK self-certification process for drivers over 70.

Rose’s daughter Chantelle Cattermole, who was present at the inquest conclusion, has over 20 years of experience caring for elderly people, and she admitted that there are signs that people show that they shouldn’t be allowed to drive or are unable to care for themselves.

She said: “Our family will never get justice due to Mr Maguire's passing away.

“I personally feel this could have been prevented sooner if the signs and symptoms had been recognised by the people close to him.

“Elderly people won’t willingly hand up their driving licence — this needs to change, and better risk assessments need to be in place to prevent this from happening again.”

Her sister, Tracey Macandrew, added: “I don’t want to see this happen to anybody, and no other family, this is the worst feeling in the world.

“I still can’t process it all in my head, I don’t think any of us can, we’re all in shock, even nine months later.”

Rose was mother to four children — Tracey, Antony, Richard, and Chantelle, wife to Stephen Macandrew, and a had eight grandchildren.

The inquest found that nothing was wrong with the car, the weather conditions were clear, and Mr Maguire had no drugs or alcohol in his system.

The family said they weren’t happy with the fact that Mr Maguire was never charged in connection with Rose’s death.

Tracey added: “He took my dad’s wife, who was his carer, and they were together for 41 years.

“We took our mum and the grandchildren lost their nanny.”

Rose’s son Richard and his partner had their first child together after Rose’s death, and she had made a large bundle of clothes and blanket for their baby ahead of the birth.

Rose was described as being the most supportive mother, grandmother, wife and friend, who was always present for everyone in her life and always a phone or a text away.

In the pen portrait written by the family, Rose was said to love surprising her grandkids with thoughtful gifts and even made gifts for other people’s children.

“She was always there to cheer on her kids’ bands, making memorabilia and rocking their t-shirts at their gigs,” it read.

“Rose was super social, making friends everywhere she went.

“A true rebel at heart, enjoying some of the craziest theme park rides.”

To prevent further deaths that may arise in similar scenarios, coroner Beth Brown said she will issue a Prevention of Future Deaths report to the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, urging a review of the elderly driver self-certification process.