Daughter of couple killed in crash says deaths were "heartbreaking"

Emma Johnson was about to give birth when she found out her parents had been killed

Ian and Gail Gale were killed in November 2022
Author: Seb CheerPublished 26th Nov 2024

The daughter of a couple killed in a crash in Rutland says knowing her mum "won't ever get the chance to see her youngest grandchild is heart breaking."

Gail Gale, 58, and Ian Gale, 64, died when a car swerved into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with their vehicle around 6.14pm on Friday 18th November 2022.

Yesterday (Monday 25th November), Simarjeet Singh was convicted of causing their deaths by careless driving, two counts of causing death by driving while uninsured, and two counts of causing death while driving without a licence.

The 35-year-old, of Dishley Lane in Leicester, had claimed he hit a stone, but detectives found no evidence.

"Everybody else" put at risk

Emma Johnson, 34, had to identify her parents' bodies just hours after giving birth.

She said: "When I found out about mum's death I was shocked and stressed. I was due to give birth imminently and the stress could potentially have been detrimental to my baby's health.

"Imagine then having to identify your parents' bodies hours after giving birth to your child, mum's grandchild, the grandchild she would never meet. That is what I had to do.

"Knowing mum won't get the chance to see her youngest grandchild or have a relationship with my four children is heartbreaking. She will miss out on having this relationship through no fault of her own. It is absolutely devastating to me.

"There is absolutely no justification for driving without a licence, putting everybody else on the road at risk."

"Devastating impact"

Detective Constable Anna Andrew from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "This has been a heartbreaking incident to investigate. The actions of Singh show the devastating impact that careless driving and driving without a licence or insurance can have.

"My thoughts remain with the family of Mr and Mrs Gale. The words provided above are brave and show the true impact and devastation that careless driving can cause.

"No family should ever have to go through this and I thank Emma for her courage and co-operation with us to help bring this investigation before the courts."

Singh will be sentenced on 17th January and has been released on conditional bail, the force said.

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