A drugged up driver has been jailed after his van hit and killed a beloved grandmother as she wheeled her bike across a road.
Michael Atkinson was already banned from driving when he hit 77-year-old Sally Blew with his Mercedes Sprinter van while under the influence of an array of substances.
The 38-year-old said he failed to see Mrs Blew and admitted causing her death by careless driving while disqualified.
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He was over the limit for alcohol, cannabis and cocaine.
Atkinson, of Bacon Drive, Taunton, Somerset, was jailed for nine years and three months and banned from driving for 11 years and 11 months at Taunton Crown Court.
Mrs Blew died in hospital shortly after being hit by Atkinson on Monday 10 March in Taunton.
Atkinson, 38, provided a positive drugs and alcohol tests at the scene and in custody respectively.
A video showed Atkinson’s erratic driving in the lead up to the collision, as reported by Need To Know.
He pleaded guilty to causing death by driving while disqualified, causing death by careless driving and charges relating to driving while over the prescribed limit for alcohol, cannabis and cocaine.
Sentencing Atkinson, Judge Paul Cook said: “Mrs Blew’s death has caused devastation; she was a kind and gentle soul.”
He added that Atkinson was driving at 43mph in a 30mph zone at the time of the collision.
Mrs Blew’s son, Paul, paid tribute to his mother in a victim personal statement prepared for today’s hearing.
He said: “When the accused killed Sally Blew, he did not just hit and kill my mum with his vehicle, it was as if that day he had struck my entire family and the many others she knew.
“He took away my mother and took away her remaining family years of support and love.
“He took mum away from her sister and brothers, whom she would support emotionally when times were hard.
“He took her away from my children and the nieces and nephews whom she cherished and loved dearly.
“He took away a kind and gentle soul who would help others unconditionally.”
After sentencing, Avon and Somerset Police collision investigation officer Dai Nicholas said: “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to Sally Blew’s family, who have experienced an unimaginable loss.
“The devastation caused by Michael Atkinson’s actions on that day are hard to put into words.
“CCTV footage showed Mrs Blew patiently waiting for a gap in the traffic before crossing the road on foot with her bike.
“Atkinson, while under caution, made comments to attending officers that he ‘didn’t mean’ for the collision to happen.
“The collision may not have been intentional, but what was deliberate was his decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, knowing full well he was part way through serving a three-year driving disqualification for similar offences.
“This, coupled with speeding, are three of the Fatal Five most common causes of serious collisions and it is correct he has been sentenced accordingly.”
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