Drink driver sentenced to six years for causing the death of elderly couple

Lee McGuigan, 37, of Spinney Road, Warwick had been driving a friend’s BMW in Bericote Road near Leamington at about 12:30pm on September 5, 2010 when he lost control of the car and collided with a Ford Focus driven by Len Breakwell.

Mr Breakwell’s wife Marjorie, 89, was killed as a result of multiple injuries sustained in the crash. Mr Breakwell suffered severe injuries and died a week later following a rupture of an aneurysm. His death could not be conclusively linked to the collision. The couple were from Yardley, Birmingham.

McGuigan was last week (Friday March 12) jailed for six years at Warwick Crown Court after being conviction of causing death by careless driving while unfit through drink. He was also banned from driving for six years.

Suzanne Llewellyn, senior sector crown prosecutor from the West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service said: “Lee McGuigan was over two times the legal limit in respect of alcohol in his blood at the time of the collision. A further aggravating factor was that he was not insured at the time of the collision.

“This sentence reflects the determination to prosecute and bring to justice those who commit serious road traffic offences. My message to those individuals who put other drivers at risk through their callous actions is that once you are caught then you can only expect substantial terms of imprisonment for your criminal behaviour.

“Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of the Breakwells for their tragic loss.”