Mark Roberts has been sentenced to eight years and three months in prison after causing the death of a 91-year-old pedestrian.
Roberts was two times over the drink drive limit and was using a phone at the time his car collided with Gwendoline Christian, in Grantham, last year.
Gwendoline, whose family said she very much still enjoyed her life and loved gardening, was crossing Sankt Augustin Way shortly after 4.45pm on November 27, when Roberts’ green Vauxhall Astra hit her. She was taken to hospital after the collision but sadly died.
Roberts was driving his usual route back from work in Melton Mowbray and was only five minutes away from home before the collision with Ms Christian. Subsequent investigations by Lincolnshire Police’s Serious and Forensic Collision Investigation Unit found that there was ample time for him to stop his car had he spotted Ms Christian as she made her way across the road, but he simply did not see her.
He provided an evidential breath sample which showed he had 71 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms.
Detective Sergeant Adam Doona, from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “It’s difficult to put into words how tragic this collision is. The very sad death of Ms Christian, who is missed greatly, could so very easily have been avoided.
“This case is a stark reminder not only of the penalties for those who break the law in such a way but the devastating impact their actions can have. No punishment can match the loss of Ms Christian’s life in such a way and the long-lasting effects that can have on those who cared for her.”
Roberts was also banned from driving for nine years and 45 days.
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