A man who admitted causing death by careless driving whilst over the drink-drive limit has been jailed today (24 Oct).
Stuart Lithgow, 43, formerly of Frizington but now of Saltash Road, Keyham, Plymouth, admitted the offence last month and was sentenced today at Carlisle Crown Court.
The court heard how Lithgow’s Ford Fiesta had collided with motorcyclist Raymond Hammil, aged 75, on the B5300 near Maryport Golf Club on 11 September 2022.
Mr Hammil suffered extensive injuries in the collision and was taken to hospital by air ambulance. He died on 14 September 2022, three days after the collision.
Lithgow was subjected to a road-side breath test following the collision and was more than twice the legal limit.
Witnesses also noted Lithgow’s aggressive driving prior to the collision, with one describing the manner of driving as “idiotic” and recalling how they had told their partner moments before the crash: “I don’t know what he is playing at. He will cause an accident.”
In his police interview, Lithgow had told officers he had been drinking the night before but couldn’t understand why he was still over the limit. He denied he had drunk alcohol the day of the collision.
Lithgow was sentenced to six years in prison. He will also be banned from driving for six years upon his release and must sit an extended test to regain a license.
Detective Sergeant Deborah Story of Cumbria Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “This was a completely avoidable and tragic collision which resulted in a man suffering horrendous injuries and ultimately losing his life.
“The driver was significantly over the drink-drive limit at the time of the collision and multiple witnesses described him driving aggressively, particularly in his over-taking, prior to colliding head-on with Mr Hammil’s motorbike. There was nothing Mr Hammil could do to avoid the collision.
“It is my hope that this case at least serves as a reminder to all road users of the dangers of driving whilst impaired by drink or drugs.”