A driver who killed a woman in a car crash on the A5 has been jailed for 12 years.
Gareth Hawes, aged 29 of Livesey Hill, Shenley Lodge was found guilty of one count of causing death by dangerous driving, one count each of causing death by driving a vehicle unlicensed/uninsured and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving after a four day trial at Aylesbury Crown Court.
Hawes was sentenced to a total of 12 years’ imprisonment and has been disqualified from driving for 14 years.
This is in connection with a fatal collision on the A5 in Milton Keynes on August 11 last year. A black Ford Focus driven by Hawes collided with a black and red classic car. The passenger sadly died at the scene and the driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Hawes was arrested on the same day and charged via postal requisition on 10 May 2019.
Investigating officer, PC Naomi Hames, of the Roads Policing Unit, based at Bicester, said: “Hawes has shown a total disregard for the law and for anyone else other than himself. He didn’t stop at the scene of the collision and drove on a further 600 metres until he was forced to stop due to the damage caused to the car.
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“He was almost double the drink drive limit and double the specified limit for drugs.
“His behaviour and standard of driving was absolutely appalling and led to the tragic and totally unnecessary death of Cherryl Blackbourn. It has also caused pain and suffering to her husband Ian, her family and friends.
“This collision has affected so many, including those members of the public who were so unfortunate to have been at the scene when the collision happened. They had to witness it and they selflessly assisted with the initial aftermath.”
Senior Investigating Officer Sgt Beth Walton said: “The conviction of Hawes is a reflection of the hard work completed by officers at the scene and during the investigation.
“The investigation team are pleased with the sentence, it can never be comparable to the loss of life and suffering caused but we hope it may bring some comfort to Cherryl’s husband, family and friends that Hawes has been convicted and will serve a substantial amount of time in prison.”
Cherryl Blackbourn was 65 years old. Her husband has paid tribute, saying: "Cherryl was a much loved and respected former art teacher. Former pupils, even from the 1970s, would stop to talk with her frequently.
“She always had a friendly greeting for people who passed by when she was gardening in front of our house.
“I was greatly touched by the support I received from people I barely knew but were deeply saddened by her sudden death.
“Her funeral was attended by about 130 people, greatly exceeding the capacity of the chapel.
“To me, her husband, she is irreplaceable."
