A woman whose driving was responsible for the death of two pedestrians has been sentenced to prison today (11 March).
Jade Devine, 33, of Andersons Court, Flimby admitted two counts of causing death by careless driving whilst over the limit for alcohol.
Carlisle Crown Court heard how, in the early hours of Sunday 15 May 2022, police were called by a member of the public who had come across two people lying in the road.
Those people were 31-year-old Bethanie Clark and 44-year-old David Muir.
Medical professionals attended but both were pronounced dead.
Close-by was a white Nissan Qashqai, with substantial damage. Checks found that the vehicle was registered to Jade Devine, but she had run away.
Officers attended Devine’s home address and saw her trying to get through her garden gate. When she saw the Police, she ran away but was chased by officers and arrested.
Devine was breathalysed and found to be over the drink-drive limit.
The police investigation found that Devine had driven from Flimby to Workington to purchase cocaine and was on her way home when the collision occurred.
After the collision and prior to her arrest, Devine was found to have gone to a neighbour’s home, asking for help before saying: “I’ve killed two people. That’s it, my life is over.”
Upon arrest, Devine made numerous comments, including stating that the two people had “come out of nowhere” and that she “panicked” before running away from the scene.
A forensic collision investigation report found that Devine had been travelling at excessive speed prior to the collision which impacted on her reaction time and that the alcohol she had consumed would also have negatively impacted her ability to properly judge her surroundings and control her vehicle.
In her police interview Devine explained her decision to flee the scene, saying she knew she was going to prison but wanted to get home to see her kids first.
Devine was sentenced to eight years in prison and banned from driving for nine years and four months.
Detective Sergeant Deborah Story of Cumbria Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “This was a tragic incident which resulted in two people losing their lives.
“Devine’s actions prior to the collision – being over the limit for alcohol and speeding – were found to be significant factors in the outcome.
“But she also made the decision to flee the scene rather than stay to assist those who she struck with her vehicle and await the arrival of the emergency services.
“There is no excuse for drink-driving and this case tragically illustrates the potential outcome if you do get behind the wheel whilst unfit.”