Rapper Trillary Banks has spoken publicly in defence of her mother, Patricia Pringle, who is serving a prison sentence after causing a fatal road collision that claimed the lives of an elderly couple. Speaking on the Winners Talking Podcast, Banks addressed criticism directed at her family and challenged the language used by some people when discussing her mother's conviction.
Pringle was jailed after a collision on 9 May 2022, when her Volkswagen Golf crossed into the opposite lane of the A47 at Barrowden and crashed head-on into a Fiat Qubo. It was later established that she had been using her mobile phone while driving.
The occupants of the Fiat, Clive Jones, 89, and his wife Elaine Jones, 82, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Pringle was subsequently sentenced to nine years in prison. She was also banned from driving for five years following her release and will be required to pass an extended driving test before being allowed back on the road.
During the podcast appearance, Banks defended her mother against accusations that she should be described as a murderer.
She said: “Because my mum has been in an accident where people died, it's not a murder. People are like, ‘your mum's a murderer.’ But she's not a murderer. She's a killer. Get it right.”
Banks continued:
“Yes, people died. But don't call her a murderer. She didn't go out with the intent.”
She went on to add:
“And if she did, there would have been a good cause. And she did what she did, she went to jail and we're riding it. That's where we come from.”
Her comments have generated debate online, with some viewers sympathising with the impact the case has had on her family, while others questioned parts of her defence.
Banks also spoke about Ghetts, who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence after being convicted over the death of student Yubin Tamang in a hit-and-run collision.
Although distancing herself from calls for his release, she described him positively and reflected on the consequences of dangerous driving.
She said: “I don't even want to say Free Ghetts... we're not made close but he's a good guy.”
She added: “Things happen sometime. Please think before you get in that car.”
Clips from the interview quickly circulated online, prompting a wave of reactions from viewers.
Among the responses shared by members of the TSB Residents Instagram community were several tongue-in-cheek comments comparing Banks' defence of her mother to other attempts at reframing criticism.
One user joked: “I was never hoeing, I was a reverse virgin.” Another wrote: “I’m not unemployed, I’m between opportunities.” A third commented: “I didn’t snitch. I informed.” While another added: “I’m not hot, it’s just 30 degrees outside.”
The remarks reflected the disbelief of some viewers, who felt Banks' distinction between the terms "killer" and "murderer" was an example of trying to soften the language surrounding a serious incident.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)