The family of a mother killed in a hit-and-run in the south of Tenerife last December, are launching a legal challenge after Spanish prosecutors dropped their investigation into her death. Michelle Exton and her mother, Ann, from North Derbyshire, were on holiday in Golf Del Sur when they were hit by a van that mounted a pavement on the road between the golf and Las Chafiras.
The driver left the scene after the accident leaving Mrs Exton, aged 50, with fatal head injuries and Ann, 75, seriously injured. Despite witnesses providing statements and a damaged wing mirror left at the scene of the accident, a Spanish court has deemed there is not enough evidence to continue with the investigation.
MIchelle's daughter Sophia, who briefly spoke to the Canarian Weekly at the time of the tragic accident, said there are still people keen to help the investigation. She said: "Even if it is a dead end. How many dead ends you have to go through to get the right outcome? There are still people providing information that isn't being looked into by the Local Police."
Michelle and Ann were walking down the road at about 8.30pm on Sunday 11th December when the incident happened. The van driver briefly got out and saw the two women on the ground, before driving off.
He was described as white, around 5ft 8ins tall, bald, or shaven-headed. Police believe that the van could have been a Renault Traffic, a Nissan Primastar, or a Vauxhall Vivaro from the description, and a damaged wing mirror left at the scene.
The fact a judge has ‘stayed’ the investigation, means the case is closed and police are effectively barred from investigating further. However, the family is being backed by a law firm, Irwin Mitchell, who said: "Tenerife's not a big place. Sophia has been getting information informally through social media, from people. We just want to make sure that absolutely every avenue of investigation is pursued before the investigation is closed."
Anyone with information about the collision or the van or driver, is asked to contact James Riley at Irwin Mitchell on +44 121 203 5361 or email james.riley@irwinmitchell.com
The local authorities in Tenerife have yet to respond to requests for comment.
