Hungover driver jailed for fatal crash

A HUNGOVER motorist who was still over the drink-driving limit when he caused a fatal crash 19 hours after drinking alcohol has been jailed for four years.

Tradesman Peter Newbrook fell asleep while driving his van the day after watching Argentina play in the football world cup in June 2018.

Newbrook, 60, was driving on the A19 near Osmotherley, at the edge of the North York Moors, when he crashed into the back of a car, pushing it off the road and into a tree.

Passenger Julia Golightly, was travelling as a passenger in the car at the time. She was seriously injured in the collision and slipped into a coma. She died three days later.

Newbrook, of South Shields, appeared at Teesside Crown Court yesterday after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

As well as being jailed for four years, he was also banned from driving for six years.

In a poignant statement, Mrs Golightly’s family said: “On that day, Peter Newbrook devastated our family by taking away a beloved wife of over 50 years, mam and nanna.

“His decision to get into his van that day after a heavy and late night of drinking has destroyed us.

“Everyone has a choice. He made the wrong one and him and his family have to live with that. Nothing can replace or heal our loss. We are broken.”

Traffic Constable Gemma Brett, of North Yorkshire Police said: “This was an incredibly sad incident. A split second has changed a family’s lives forever and my thoughts are with Mrs Golightly’s relatives.

“This serves as a tragic reminder of the catastrophic effects of driving while under the influence.”