A young woman has made an impassioned plea to people to stop drink driving as she watched the man who killed her boyfriend jailed for six years.
The woman and her boyfriend were supposed to be going on holiday, but the night before their departure the defendant at Nottingham Crown Court crashed into his car, killing him.
The 23-year-old, who had attended the same college as the victim, was later found to be two-and-a-half times the legal limit.
The man told police that he had drunk a pint of lager and a shandy on the night in question – April 17, 2017. During further interviews, he then said it had been three pints of lager, and then that might have been four.
“It is overwhelming to me that so many families have to experience the grief I have over the past nine months,” said the victim’s girlfriend in court.
“Greater awareness about the effects of drink driving is the key way to limit deaths on the road. There is no excuse for drink driving; it creates a feeling of over confidence, making judging distance and speed more difficult.
“It also slows your reactions, so that it takes longer to stop. It is too late to save my boyfriend but let these events be a tragic demonstration of why drink drivers should face greater penalties to deter people from getting into the car after they’ve consumed alcohol.”
Outside the court, the victim’s grandmother said: “If you just stopped and thought, before you drive after a drink…that you might kill someone, you probably wouldn’t do it. But there are some idiots who would still do it.”
Detective Sergeant Adam Cooper from the serious collision investigation unit said: “Drink driving is absolutely unacceptable in any circumstances and the consequences are horrific for all those left picking up the pieces.”
“Sadly, a young man has had his life cut short as a result of [the defendant’s] completely reckless decision to get behind the wheel that evening and the family have to live forever the heartache and devastation he caused.
“His death was complete avoidable. People have a responsibility to not drink and drive and have to expect to face the consequences like [the defendant] is now doing.
“I would encourage family and friends to challenge strongly those that do take the risk, reporting those that still choose to drive to the Police. There is never an excuse to put lives at risk.”
Convicted of drink driving and causing death by dangerous driving, the judge sentenced him to six years in jail and banned him from driving for eight years.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
