Drink-driver who killed grandmother jailed

A van driver who killed a grandmother in a crash while under the influence of drugs and alcohol has been jailed.

Michael Atkinson was already banned from driving when he hit 77-year-old Sally Blew with his Mercedes Sprinter van as she wheeled her bike across Lisieux Way, in Taunton, on 10 March.

The 38-year-old said he failed to see Mrs Blew and admitted causing her death by careless driving while disqualified and being over the limit for alcohol, cannabis and cocaine.

Atkinson, of Bacon Drive in Taunton, was jailed for nine years and three months and banned from driving for 11 years and 11 months at Taunton Crown Court earlier.

Mrs Blew was taken to hospital after the crash but died a short time later.

Her son Paul described her as "a kind and gentle soul who would help others unconditionally".

"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 added.

"He took her away from my children and the nieces and nephews whom she cherished and loved dearly."

Speaking after the sentencing, officer in the case Dai Nicholas said Mrs Blew's family had experienced unimaginable loss.

He said CCTV footage showed Mrs Blew patiently waiting for a gap in the traffic before crossing the road on foot with her bike before she was hit by Atkinson's van.

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