Man sentenced to 11 years in prison after drunken hit and run
Married couple Wendy and David Gay were out walking when hit by Michael Saltmarsh's van
Last updated 25th Jun 2023
A van driver has been sentenced to 11 years and 4 months in prison after killing a married couple in a drunken hit and run.
Wendy Gay, 67 , and her husband David Gay, 58, were out walking on the 17th of March 2023 when they were hit by drunk driver Michael Saltmarsh.
The 48 year old pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop after a road collision and driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Cardiff Crown Court had previously heard how he had 46 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.
Prosecution, Andrew Davis KC, told the court that due to his condition Saltmarsh had failed to see the red light and was driving between 37 and 52 mph in a 30 zone.
"Where is my wife?"
Saltmarsh began to wipe away tears as the prosecution read out how a passer-by said Mr Gay was asking, "Where is my wife?", as he lay on the road bleeding from his head and with cuts on his hands.
At the time Wendy Gay was rapidly losing consciousness and despite attempts by paramedics, died at the scene. Mr Gay was taken to hospital, where he was told of his wife's death.
A few days later on the 20th of March, David Gay also passed away.
"Worst possible news", says Wendy Gay's son
The prosecution read out three victim statements, including from Mrs Gay's son Adam Lawrence.
He says it was the "Worst possible news... I was shocked and couldn't speak when told of his mother's death."
He went on to add that Wendy and David Gay were "soulmates" and had been "robbed of their lives by the reckless actions of Mr Saltmarsh."
The other victim statements came from David Gray's sister, Valerie Thomas , and a close friend of Wendy Gay's, Cheryl Ham.
Mrs Thomas spoke of the "unimaginable pain ... emotional stress and trauma" caused by this "brutal, sad and avoidable situation that has destroyed many lives."
"It was pointless, should have never happened and was avoidable."
Cheryl Ham questioned "Why did he drive? He didn't have to. This was avoidable", adding that she's been "Robbed of a future with them."
When delivering the sentence, Judge Paul Hobson recognised Saltmarsh's "genuine remorse" as the defendant proceeded to wipe away tears.
Mr Hobson added that Saltmarsh's actions "will endure for many years to come and he'll "carry the shame of what you Saltmarsh did for the rest of your life."
Saltmarsh had been "grossly impaired by alcohol" which had "tragic consequences" and was told his previous convictions for driving under the influence should've acted as a warning, "not to drink and drive."
On release, Michael Saltmarsh will be disqualified from driving for 14 years and 3 months.