A mother who was involved in a serious crash on the Stevenage A602 with her two teenage sons has spoken about the physical and mental impact the collision is still having almost a year on, with the 79-year-old motorist at fault now banned from the road.

Tracey Brown told the Comet that she doesn’t think she will ever fully get over what happened on December 16 last year when her black Ford Fiesta – with her 14-year-old twins in the back – was involved in a crash on Broadhall Way, at the roundabout for Shephall Way.

Pamela Collett, of Mandeville Road in Enfield, has admitted three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, with Stevenage magistrates handing her a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years – and also barring her from holding a driving licence for four years after her Vauxhall Astra collided with Tracey’s Fiesta and a blue artic lorry.

The crash left Tracey with five broken ribs and a collapsed lung, while son Jamie suffered from breathing difficulties due to a hole in his lung.

His brother Jordan injured his neck and hip from where the seatbelt had dug in.

All three were taken to hospital, with Jordan discharged soon after. His brother and mum were kept in at Addenbrooke’s for four and five days respectively.

Mrs Collett was taken to hospital as well. The lorry driver suffered from shock but didn’t require further care.

Tracey, 40, said the family still have nightmares about the crash, which she says has made her afraid of driving and meant Jamie won’t be able to pursue an army career due to his breathing difficulties.

“I do feel sorry for Pamela as it was an accident and she has to live with the guilt, but without trying to be dramatic I don’t think we will ever truly get over this,” said Tracey, who lives in Benington.

“I would like to thank the emergency services again as they were amazing – they don’t get the credit they deserve but without them I don’t think I would be here today.”

In addition to the suspended jail term, Mrs Collett must also pay a £115 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.