Taunton man jailed for nine years after fatal crash and death of woman
The 38-year old has been jailed after causing a collision while over the limit for alcohol and drugs
A man from Taunton has been jailed after causing a fatal collision while over the limit for alcohol and drugs.
38-year old, Michael Atkinson was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court today (11 June) to 9 years and 3 months in prison. He's also been banned from driving for nearly 12 years.
Atkinson was behind the wheel of a white Mercedes Sprinter van on Monday 10 March when he hit 71-year old Sally Blew who was wheeling her bike across Lisieux Way in Taunton. She died shortly after in hospital.
The court heard Atkinson had been disqualified from driving at the time and was speeding at 43 mph in a 30 zone. Tests revealed he was over the legal limit for alcohol, cannabis and cocaine, with CCTV footage capturing the erratic driving before the event.
He pleaded guilty to the following offences:
- Causing death by careless driving
- causing death by driving while disqualified
- charges relating to driving while over the prescribed limit for alcohol, cannabis and cocaine.
Sentencing him, His Honour Judge Paul Cook said Mrs Blew's death has caused devastation, describing her as a "kind and gentle soul."