A Dapto woman found guilty of dangerous driving that caused the death of an elderly pedestrian has spent her first night behind bars after a tearful goodbye to her family but she is yet to find out how long she will be there.
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Amelia Fennell, 25, was set to be sentenced on Friday in Wollongong District Court but Judge Andrew Haesler adjourned the case to Monday to consider his judgment.
Fennell's bail was revoked and she was taken into custody to begin her sentence over the weekend after Judge Haesler confirmed she would be spending at least 12 months in jail.
"I will be giving a custodial sentence," Judge Haesler said.
"It won't be long but it will be at least 12 months."
He said the full sentence would reflect the severity of the crime.
Fennell was crying as she hugged her child and partner closely before Judge Haesler told her she would be remanded in custody.
In August, a jury took two hours to find Fennell guilty of dangerously driving her car which fatally struck 78-year-old grandmother Barbara Jones.
The court heard Fennell had quit her job moments before getting into her red Holden Commodore.
She drove along Central Avenue in Oak Flats when she hit Ms Jones who had just stepped off a pedestrian ramp to cross the road.
Ms Jones was flown to St George Hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries two days later.
The Crown argued Fennell was speeding through a roundabout at 58km/h in a 40km/h zone when she hit Ms Jones.
On Friday, Judge Haesler said cases like Fennell's were one of the "hardest tasks" because it was impossible to equate a life with a custodial sentence.
"I will take into account Fennell's remorse and the real hardship prison will cause her and her children but recognition must also be given to the impact of her crime on the victims, Ms Jones and her grieving family.
"An innocent pedestrian went out shopping and was killed as a result of Fennell's criminal driving."
Fennell was supported by many loved ones and Ms Jones' family had travelled from interstate to be there for the sentencing.
Ms Jones' daughter, grandson and granddaughter, who did not want to be named, read out victim impact statements.
They spoke of Ms Jones as a kind and gentle matriarch who was the "keeper of the family's history".
They spoke of Ms Jones' love of travelling, spending time with friends and talking and supporting her family.
Her daughter said her mother's untimely and violent death had been an "immeasurable loss" and had deepened her grief.
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