Drink driver jailed for killing elderly woman

Lee McGuigan, of Spinney Hill, Warwick had been driving a friend’s BMW in Bericote Road near Leamington on September 5, 2010 when he lost control and collided with Len and Marjorie Breakwell’s Ford Focus.

Marjorie, 89, died two days later of multiple injuries and Mr Breakwell, 95, suffered severe injuries and died a week later following a ruptured aneurysm.

McGuigan, 37, was last week jailed for six years at Warwick Crown Court after admitting causing Mrs Breakwell’s death by careless driving while unfit through drink. He was also banned from driving for six years.

Because Mr Breakwell’s death could not be conclusively linked to the collision, McGuigan’s plea of not guilty to causing his death was accepted.

The court heard that McGuigan had hit the kerb and slewed into the path of the Yardley couple’s car as they were on their way to visit their son and his family in Long Itchington.

The impact set off the air bags in both cars and the elderly couple were trapped.

Staff from the nearby Helen Ley Care Centre called emergency services. The Breakwells’ son was contacted and reached the scene before they were cut free. His father gave him the ‘thumbs up’ from the wreckage.

Witnesses could smell alcohol on McGuigan’s breath, and a breath test three hours later showed he was still at twice the legal limit.

McGuigan, then of Hyde Road, Kenilworth, had previous convictions for failing to provide a breath specimen, excess alcohol and reckless driving. At the time of the crash he was not insured because he had failed to declare his convictions.

In mitigation, David Murray said references showed the ‘profound effect’ the tragedy had on McGuigan and that he was devastated he had killed two people.

McGuigan himself suffered a life-threatening injury and was in hospital for more than three weeks. Afterwards, unable to work, his business failed and his home was repossessed.

Jailing him, Recorder Christopher Tickle said: “Although there is only one count on this indictment, we know that two people died as a result of this accident.

“You suffered serious injury as well, but that was your own fault; you caused this accident.”