A tractor driver who killed a great grandmother has been banned from driving.

Angus James Freeman, a 33-year-old farmer, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today.

He admitted causing the death of 59-year-old Elaine Steele by careless driving at Troutbeck Bridge, near Windermere, on February 6 last year.

Holiday park worker Miss Steele, of Oxenholme, was walking on a pavement alongside the A591 when she was struck by Freeman's five-tonne Massey Ferguson tractor.

She suffered severe head and neck injuries, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard Freeman had inexplicably failed to observe a "give way" sign and markings immediately before joining the A591.

Freeman however said he had no recollection nor explanation for exactly what happened on a route he used every day.

Having heard considerable mitigation on behalf of Freeman - a man of previous good character - Judge Barbara Forrester suspended a 24-week prison sentence for 12 months.

Freeman, of Town End Farm, Troutbeck, was also given a one-year driving ban and must pay £545 costs.

His lawyer, Anthony Haycroft, told the court: "Unfortunately this was a tragedy in the very true sense of the word."