The family of a much-loved great-great grandmother who died after her mobility scooter was hit by a speeding driver have paid tribute to a ‘beacon of love, hope and kindness.’

Doreen Raynor, known lovingly as Mar Raynor, was fatally injured at a pedestrian crossing in Huntingdon Street, Nottingham, on Saturday 4 March 2023.

Mrs Raynor, a mother of 13 children and a much-loved figure in St Ann’s and Sneinton, was crossing the road when she was struck by an Audi A1 being driven by Rayner Middleton.

A police investigation revealed that Middleton, now aged 31, had accelerated past another car and approached the lights as they turned from green to amber.

The collision occurred at the moment the lights turned red.

The 89-year-old Mrs Raynor was knocked from her scooter as she began to cross the road prior to the lights going green.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff, she died shortly after being taken to hospital.

Forensic collision investigators determined that Middleton had been travelling well in excess of the speed limit as she made her way up the road – and was travelling at between 43 and 44mph when she saw Mrs Raynor and attempted to brake 2.6 seconds before the collision.

Had she have been adhering to the 30mph speed limit, any resulting collision would have happened at a far lower speed or been avoided altogether.

Rayner was arrested at the scene and was later found to have traces of cocaine in her system.

She later pleaded guilty to causing death by driving without due care / consideration while over the specified drug limit.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court yesterday (Thursday) , Middleton, of Nelson Road, Daybrook, was sentenced to four years in prison and disqualified from driving for four years.

She will need to pass an extended test before being allowed to drive again.

 ‘A beacon of love, hope and kindness’

 Speaking after the sentencing, Mrs Raynor’s family said in a statement.

“Mar Raynor was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to helping others.

“She was the most amazing, caring and selfless person who would see the good in everyone.

“She would take homeless people under her wing – giving them food, drink, and clothing.

“She didn’t judge another person for who they were or their circumstances, she would always say they were ‘someone else’s child – they deserved to be loved.’

“That phrase was typical of strongest person we know – a pillar of our family and our community.

“Because she was’ just’ our  Mar’, she was also a beacon of hope, love, kindness, and a confidant for countless people.

“…Whilst we are all heartbroken, we will continue to honour Mar Raynor’s memory by trying to now move on and live our lives, showing that same kindness and compassion that she showed to the world.

“She may be gone, but her spirit and her legacy will live on in the lives of those she touched.” 

Detective Inspector Jamie Moore, of Nottinghamshire Polcie, said:

“This was a tragic incident that led to the death of a woman who was beloved by so many people.

“What’s makes this case even worse is that what happened was entirely preventable.

“Had the driver in this case been travelling at an appropriate it is extremely unlikely that Mrs Raynor would have died that day.

“The driver will now have to live with what she has done – and the strain this case has placed on her own family – for the rest of her life.

“With that in mind I hope this incident serves as a warning to others about the potential consequences of such careless and reckless behaviour behind the wheel.

“As this case comes to a close, I would also like to put on record my thanks to Mrs Raynor’s family for the patience and humility they have shown throughout what has been an extended legal process.”