Ann Harkes death: Malcolm Sarginson gets 10 months
A council driver has been jailed for 10 months after knocking down and killing a colleague in the grounds of a school.
Ann Harkes died after being struck by Malcolm Sarginson as she was collecting recycling in the grounds of St Mary's C of E Infant School in Windermere.
Appearing at Carlisle Crown Court, Sarginson, of Fairfield Road, admitted causing death by careless driving.
The 41-year-old was reversing too fast in his South Lakeland Council van when he hit his victim on 17 March 2010.
After the hearing, Mrs Harkes's widower Alistair said nothing could make up for the loss of his wife.
He said: "Any sentence given in this court pales into insignificance compared to our loss.
"Nothing can bring Ann back to us. Due to the negligence of this person, my father-in-law has lost his caring daughter.
"I have lost my wonderful wife and our girls and only granddaughter have lost their much-loved mum and grandma. Others have lost a true and valued friend.
"I come home to an empty house and often start to call out as I come through the door. The pain and loss we will always have is the greatest injustice of all."
Sarginson was also disqualified from driving for three years.
Mrs Harkes, from Great Urswick, near Ulverston, died in hospital shortly after being struck.
Sgt John Leonard, of Cumbria Police, said: "Sarginson reversed too quickly without checking necessary mirrors and his reversing camera. His actions resulted in a tragedy that has devastated a family."