A woman crashed head-on into another car, leading to the death of its driver, when a spider landed in her lap, a court was told.

Female GP Amy Walpole (38) feared spiders and panicked when one dropped from the sun visor of of her Mazda MX5 car, a court heard.

Walpole was seen waving her hands before she crashed into a car which was driven by John Evans, aged 87, The Times report.

"Walpole gave an explanation that a spider dropped from the sun visor landing in her lap," the prosecution told the court.

"She has a fear of spiders and tried to throw it out of the window. As a result of the situation with a loss of concentration, she drifted across the road, causing the collision."

The defence told the court that Ms Walpole suffers from arachnophobia.

He said; "It was a large spider which she was terrified of and tried to flick out of the window."

Walpole, of Penymynydd, south Wales, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.

Mr Evans suffered fractures and heart damage as a result of the crash. He was able to walk to the ambulance but died the next day, the court heard.

Walpole was banned from driving for a year and ordered to complete 80 hours' community service.

The judge said it was 'not a case for prison'.

Online Editors