Drink-driver jailed for six years

A drink-driver who caused the death of an elderly motorcyclist has been jailed for six years.

Stuart Lithgow hit Raymond Hammil's motorcycle near Maryport, Cumbria, in September 2022, knocking the 75-year-old on to a nearby golf course.

Breath tests showed Lithgow, of Saltash Road, Keyham, Plymouth, was more than two and a half times over the legal drink-drive limit.

The 43-year-old had pleaded guilty to causing Mr Hammil’s death by careless driving while over the prescribed limit, and was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court.

Lithgow's black Ford Fiesta flipped on to its side and also hit another vehicle, the court heard.

He told police he had drunk four bottles of lager and a bottle of wine the night before the crash, which happened at about 16:00 BST on 11 September 2022.

An impact statement from one of Mr Hammil's two sons said the retired wagon driver had been riding motorbikes since he was 17.

"He was a very kind, fun and active man who is very sadly missed by all his friends and family," the impact statement added.

Lithgow initially overtook an Audi near Allonby, heading towards Maryport on the B5300.

The Audi driver later told police the car had been "too close" before passing her on a right-hand bend with no clear view of the road ahead.

As Lithgow continued to head south, he overtook a red Panda and collided with it. He then ploughed head-on into the oncoming Kawasaki ZX 600 motorcycle ridden by Mr Hammil.

He was thrown from his bike and had to have his lower leg amputated.

Mr Hammil was taken to Newcastle by air ambulance and had emergency surgery, but died three days later.

Kim Whittlestone, defending, told the court Lithgow "knows he deserves punishment for this offence".

Lithgow, who was previously convicted for drink-driving in 2013, must also serve a six-year driving ban when release from prison and take a mandatory retest.

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