A drink-driver who caused the death of a 19-year-old woman in a crash in Woodthorpe has today been jailed for eight years.
Thomas Burney, pictured, above, lost control of the Mercedes car he was driving at high speed in Woodthorpe Road at around 12.35pm on 21 August.
The car left the road, killing pedestrian Bryony Hollands and seriously injuring her boyfriend, Ben Evans.
Members of the public attempted to help Miss Hollands and Mr Evans, as well as to prevent Burney fleeing the scene until police arrived within minutes.
Miss Hollands was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre, but died from her injuries. Mr Evans sustained serious head injuries.
Burney not only tested positive for excess alcohol at the scene but drug paraphernalia was also found in his car.
The 26-year-old, of no fixed address, was charged with causing the death of Miss Hollands by dangerous driving and causing serious injury to Mr Evans, pleading guilty to both charges at Nottingham Crown Court on 10 September.
He reappeared at the same court today (Friday, October 23) for sentencing and was told he would spend at total of eight years in prison.
Burney has also been disqualified from driving for five years once released from prison.
DC Helen Neaverson, who led the investigation, said: “Thomas Burney got behind the wheel of his car that day knowing he was unfit to drive, given the amount of alcohol he had already consumed. He drove under the influence of alcohol at frightening speeds through residental streets, which had the tragically inevitable consequence of causing someone’s death.”
“His complete disregard for anyone but himself on that day has devastated two families who have had to endure the sudden and terrible loss of a loved one and serious injury to another who were both unfortunate enough to happen to be walking along that stretch of pavement when Burney lost control of his car.”
“Our thoughts are with the families of Bryony and Ben, who have shown great dignity and strength as they attempt to come to terms with the events of 21 August.”
