A MAN from Malvern has been jailed for over three years for drink driving and causing death by driving without due care and attention.
37-year-old Thomas Barnett of Court Road in Malvern, was handed a three year and four month sentence at Worcester Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday, December 3) after previously pleading guilty to the charges.
He was also disqualified from driving for a total of seven years and eight months, with a requirement to complete an extended re-test at the end of the ban.
Barnett was driving along the B4211 Worcester Road, near Hanley Castle, when he was involved in a head-on-collision with a Ford Mondeo.
The driver of the Mondeo, 37-year-old Jeremy Hack, died from his injuries. Jeremy’s family have paid tribute to him.
They said: “Jerry was a fierce son, brother, uncle and friend, who would do anything for anyone. He will be sadly missed.”
PC Danny Somner, of the serious collision investigation unit, welcomed Barnett’s conviction.
He said: “I’m pleased that Barnett has been given a custodial sentence and will pay the price for the dangerous decisions he made that day.
“Drink driving is an incredibly selfish act which, as we’ve seen in this case, can destroy innocent lives and devastate families.
“Our thoughts remain with the family of Jerry who sadly lost his life as a result of Barnett’s actions.”
