Family seeking justice one year after town centre death

The family of a Melksham woman who died following a collision in the town centre say they are still seeking justice one year on.

Cheryl Decarteret, 79, was hit by a reversing van on 27th September last year and died from her injuries in hospital a few days later. Her best friend, Margaret Shaw, was also seriously injured in the collision.

A year on, her family say they are still struggling with the loss of a woman who was a central part of their lives.

In a statement, Cheryl’s family said, “One year on, and we are still waiting for justice for our mum.

“A whole year has passed since our mum was taken from us, yet as a family, it still feels as though we have barely had the chance to process what happened.

“How do you begin to accept that someone who was such a huge part of your life is suddenly gone. It is still almost impossible to believe that Mum isn’t coming back.

“There will be no more phone calls, no more birthdays together, no more popping in to see her, and no more eating the sweets and chocolates she always had in the house.

“It is those everyday moments that we miss the most, the moments we once took for granted and never imagined we’d have to live without.”

Cheryl was well known in the town and for helping others.

The family said the past year had been particularly difficult because they had also been seeking updates about the investigation.

“Rather than being able to grieve our mum, we have spent much of the past year chasing the police for updates and answers,” they said.

“One year on, no one has been charged with causing Mum’s death.

“We cannot bring Mum back. We cannot undo what happened. All we are asking for is the justice she deserves.”

They said the passing of time had not made the loss any easier.

“The world has carried on around us, but ours hasn’t,” they said.

Following the incident, Harry Parsons, 25, of Roundpond, Melksham, was charged with two counts of drug driving.

He appeared at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on 19th May, when the case was adjourned until 7th August and he was released on unconditional bail. The case was adjourned again on 7th August and is now awaiting a new trial date.