Nicholas Bannister told police he “just didn’t see her” after the tragic incident at his North Yorkshire hotel, which resulted in the death of Judith Wadsworth.

A North Yorkshire hotel owner has been left in shock after he accidentally ran over the mother of a bride at his establishment, leaving her tragically dead. Nicholas Bannister, who owns the hotel, was alerted to the incident by what he described as a “terrible noise” and immediately realised the gravity of the situation. The victim, 67-year-old Judith Wadsworth, was struck by Bannister’s vehicle as he drove across the hotel’s car park.

The incident occurred outside the hotel as Wadsworth was walking across the premises, but Bannister, who was behind the wheel of his vehicle at the time, told police that he “just didn’t see her” until it was too late. Bannister immediately stopped and rushed to assist, but Wadsworth suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses at the scene reported hearing a loud thud, followed by Bannister’s frantic attempt to help. Police and emergency services arrived shortly after the incident, and Bannister cooperated fully with investigators. He was visibly shaken and repeatedly expressed his shock at what had happened.

Bannister has since expressed his deep remorse for the tragic accident, saying he could never have anticipated that such a thing would occur. “It was a terrible mistake. I didn’t see her, and I would never intentionally harm anyone,” he said in a statement.

Judith Wadsworth had been at the hotel to attend her daughter’s wedding, a celebration that was marred by the heartbreaking incident. Family members have described her as a much-loved mother and grandmother, and her loss has sent shockwaves through the local community.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, though they have stated that it appears to have been a tragic accident. Bannister has not been arrested, and no charges have been filed at this stage, though investigations into the event are ongoing.

As the family mourns the loss of Judith Wadsworth, questions remain over how such a tragic accident could have occurred at a venue where many guests were present. The hotel owner’s life has been forever altered by the fatal incident, and the community is rallying around both the Wadsworth family and Bannister during this difficult time.