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Man convicted of killing actress by dangerous driving





Katherine Howard, aged 32, died at the scene when her car was hit, head-on, by a 71-year-old driver who had swerved into her path, Reading Crown Court heard this week.
The tragedy which claimed the life of Mrs Howard, an acclaimed playright and actress who had performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, happened just before 4pm on February 26 last year on Priors Court Road, Hermitage.
Pensioner Michael Challis denied causing death by dangerous driving, claiming he was hit from behind by another car, causing him to veer into Mrs Howard’s path.
But this afternoon the jury delivered their verdict.
Challis, of Lister Road, London, will be sentenced at a later date.
After the jury's verdict, Mrs Howards's family released the following statement:
“Only a parent can comprehend the everlasting pain and grief on losing a child. Katy was taken from us in a road accident in which she was the entirely innocent party, journeying home to see her mum, dad and sister before returning to her own home to meet her husband after work.
“We mourn the loss of a beautiful, loving, popular soul who brought happiness to all the people she knew. Her infectious happiness and loving nature lit up all our lives. Never again will we experience the joy of her familiar joyful personality ringing out in our home.
“She had so much to live for. She had just married, bought a little cottage and was creating a loving home with Chris, her husband, for a future family. Her considerable talents as an actress and director will now never be released.
“We constantly ask ourselves “why Katy?” We will never fully understand but we were praying for some form of partial closure to arise out of the trial. Someone surely had to be held to account for the removal from this earth of a wonderful girl and all the attendant suffering that will be with our family for the remainder of our lives?
“Whatever the truth of what exactly happened that awful day, we have left British justice to decide.
“With every breath we take, we will carry out little KK with us. No one can ever take that away from us.
“I would like to thank the police and all involved in preparing this case for their diligent hard work and compassion shown to our grieving family.”



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