A MOBILE shopkeeper from Newport said his life is in ruins after he accidentally reversed over and killed a customer with his van.

Umiaea Ali, 29, was yesterday convicted by a jury at Newport crown court of driving without due care and attention.

He was found not guilty of the more serious charge of causing the death by dangerous driving of 75-year-old Doris Monks.

Married father of two Ali, from The Turnstiles, said: "I have been unable to go back to work since the accident and it has been a traumatic time. "I am so sorry it happened - it was a tragic accident.

"I was trying to provide a service to people with my business but the whole thing has turned my life upside down.

"If I could turn back the clock I would. I was close to her two sons, who were also customers, and I am very sorry to them for this tragic accident."

Ali gave up his job after the incident on January 20 in Dart Road, Bettws, and has since been unable to return to the area.

Ali said he had no current plans to return to his mobile shop business.

During the trial, it was heard Ali had just arrived in Dart Road to sell groceries to customers when a vehicle came towards him. Ali told the jury: "I knew he wanted to get past. I engaged my reverse gear, checked my mirrors, asked my assistant if it was clear and started to move back.

"Then I felt something. When I checked my mirror I saw another customer with her hands up to her face and I knew I'd hit something."

Widow Mrs Monks, who was waiting at the back of the van to be served, died from multiple fractures to the skull and upper body.

John Holmes, defending, in his closing speech said Ali was left "haunted by the tragic freak accident".

Prosecutor Nicholas Gareth Jones claimed Ali created an obvious risk by "reversing blind".

After the verdict was returned by the jury, Judge David Wynn Morgan said Ali would have pleaded guilty to the alternative charge of driving without due care and attention had that option been available to him.

Ali will be sentenced for driving without due care and attention on November 5.