A GRIEVING nephew has begged a hit-and-run driver responsible for the death of his 81-year-old aunt to own up to the crime to help his family come to terms with the tragedy.

A GRIEVING nephew has begged a hit-and-run driver responsible for the death of his 81-year-old aunt to own up to the crime to help his family come to terms with the tragedy.

Howard Driver, whose aunt, Thelma Driver, died a day after the crash near her Bury St Edmunds home, made a direct appeal to the driver to get in touch with the police.

Mr Driver, a former superintendent in the Metropolitan Police, said the family remained confident the van driver responsible would be brought to justice and praised the “robust” police investigation.

He said: “We are hoping the driver might have a prick of conscience after Christmas and the New Year and, on behalf of the family, I would appeal to him directly to give himself up.

“He might have driven off for a combination of reasons. But whatever the reason, we would just appeal to the person to come forward and help the family come to terms with this tragic event.”

Mrs Driver, known as Joyce, was just yards from her home in Out Northgate, Bury, when she was hit by the van on December 19. She was taken to the town's West Suffolk Hospital where she died the next day.

Mr Driver, who know lives in Dorset said: “Joyce was a lovely lady, quiet but outgoing. She will probably be best remembered for caring for others. She led a simple life after her husband (Dick) died five years ago.

“She was a soprano singer in her younger days and was into light operas, like Gilbert and Sullivan, and would sing in public.” Anyone with information should contact the Bury roads policing unit on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.