Drink driver jailed after killing motor cyclist

23/03/2007

A driver who caused the death of a motorcyclist after losing control of his car while over the legal drink drive limit was yesterday sentenced to six and a half years imprisonment at Derby Crown Court.

He was also banned from driving for six years and must pass an extended test before he can hold a licence again.

Sean Topley pleaded guilty last month to causing death by careless driving whilst the level of alcohol in his blood exceeded the prescribed limit.  

On 10 September 2006 his vehicle was involved in a collision with a motorcycle driven by Simon Reeves on the B5035 Middleton Top, Wirksworth.  Mr Reeves was fatally injured in the collision, which also involved two other vehicles.

Speaking after the sentencing, prosecuting lawyer Gillian Foxcroft from Derbyshire Crown Prosecution Service said: "This horrific crash is an example of how one person's irresponsible behaviour behind the wheel can have devastating consequences.

"Not only had Sean Topley consumed a considerable amount of alcohol the previous evening, he continued to drink while actually in the process of driving his car.  In the minutes leading up to the collision he deliberately carried out a number of manoeuvres which caused him to veer over the road, before he finally lost control of his vehicle, colliding first with another car and then with Mr Reeves motorcycle.  Subsequent tests showed that at the time of the collision the level of alcohol in his blood was over twice the legal limit. 

"The consequences of this case have had a terrible impact on many lives.  While we note the sentence imposed on Topley today we recognise that nothing can adequately compensate Mr Reeves family for the loss they have suffered.  Everyone involved in the prosecution of this case wishes to extend their sympathies to them at this difficult time."