Speeding driver jailed for killing woman and dog in Birmingham

A speeding driver who was doing more than twice the limit before hitting and killing a young dog-walker in Birmingham has been jailed for more than five years.

Danielle Mitten, 34, from Baldwin Road in the city, knocked down 20-year-old Lucy Atkins on West Boulevard in Quinton on 24 June last year.

Mitten had been driving at up to 82 miles an hour before the collision, and hit Lucy and her Lakeland Terrier Simba at 63mph in a 40 zone.

She pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, and was jailed on Friday 21 November for five years and four months.

She was also banned from driving for seven years and eight months, and must take an extended test if she wishes to drive again.

Lucy’s family said in a statement: “The loss of Lucy, together with our dog Simba has brought immense pain to all our lives.

"We have described Lucy as a force of nature who touched all she knew or met.

"She was full of life and enjoyed her life.

"Lucy was loving, kind, caring and thoughtful.

"Nothing will bring our beloved Lucy and Simba back, but if the pain that has been visited upon us by this tragedy gets publicity and stops someone else from driving dangerously and killing someone, then Lucy's death will not have been in vain."