A church-going great-grandmother was found guilty by a court of motoring offences – more than eight months after her death.
Son David Allen said he was distraught to see his mother’s name dragged through the courts despite her death in February following a battle with emphysema and heart problems.
The conviction, for not giving notice of a transfer of car ownership, has now been quashed, and vehicle licence authority the DVLA has apologised.
Kathleen Allen, a widow of Foxfields Close, Oswaldtwistle, died on February 7 this year, and is buried next to her mother in Dill Hall Cemetery, Church.
David, 46, claimed he only learned of the court case after a letter addressed to Kathleen was sent to her home address notifying of the £175 court fines and costs totalling £250.
He said: "My mum has never been in trouble with the police. She was one of those people who always dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s and was never late with the books. Everybody knew her. It’s heartbreaking because she has done nothing wrong."
He added: "I’m pleased at the outcome now because they have quashed it all. But I think they should do more thorough checks in future. It just feels like they don’t care and aren’t bothered who they hurt."
Born and bred in Oswaldtwistle, Kathleen used to work at Peel Court nursing home as a cook.
Her younger son Joseph, 23, of Foxfields Close, Oswaldtwistle, said: "I was annoyed by the fact they hadn’t found out she had passed away.
"The court should really know that stuff more than anyone. It’s upsetting that my mum who did her best for everyone has been treated like this now, when she can’t defend herself.
"She has built up a reputation and people respected her and admired her and, all of a sudden, something like this happens."
A DVLA spokesperson said: "We do everything we can to ensure that our records are accurate, and on the whole they are.
"In this case, we did not receive notification of the death until after the court case had taken place. As soon as we were made aware immediate steps were taken to withdraw the case.
"We are of course extremely sorry for any distress caused."
Wife of the late Alf, Kathleen was a devoted mum of David, Benjamin, Kathy, Joseph and the late Alfie, loving sister of Peter, dear sister-in-law, a sadly missed mother-in-law, grandma and great grandma and also a dear friend to many.
The alleged offence, said to date back to March 9, was ‘proved in absence’ at Accrington Magistrates’ Court on Monday, October 31 following a DVLA prosecution.
A spokesman for East Lancashire Magistrates’ Court confirmed Mrs Allen’s case was reopened on Monday, November 14 and the proceedings were withdrawn.
