A woman who drove into and killed an elderly man who was riding a mobility scooter has been jailed for a year for driving while under the influence of methadone.
Nadine Atkinson, who was a drug addict, pleaded guilty to causing the death of 77-year-old Ronald Duff after her car ploughed him last year.
While acknowledging the drug was prescribed, the judge said she must still serve time for her actions.
But Ronald’s widow has slammed the sentence, saying it is not good enough.
“I was absolutely gutted that she could have got away so easily with what i say is manslaughter. A woman under the influence of drugs - I don't care what they were,” said Rita Duff.
She also does not believe Atkinson is truly remorseful for her actions, saying the first time she appeared in court she “smirked and laughed.”
Atkinson’s defence said she had not been warned about the effect of methadone on her driving, and Mr Duff had put himself in a position of danger by being in the cycle lane.
While driving she had bent over to pick up her child's bottle, causing her car to swerve across the road. By the time she looked up, it was too late.
Atkinson pleaded guilty after initially pleading not guilty; the judge said this saved her extra jail time.
Nadine Atkinson, who was a drug addict, pleaded guilty to causing the death of 77-year-old Ronald Duff after her car ploughed him last year.
While acknowledging the drug was prescribed, the judge said she must still serve time for her actions.
But Ronald’s widow has slammed the sentence, saying it is not good enough.
“I was absolutely gutted that she could have got away so easily with what i say is manslaughter. A woman under the influence of drugs - I don't care what they were,” said Rita Duff.
She also does not believe Atkinson is truly remorseful for her actions, saying the first time she appeared in court she “smirked and laughed.”
Atkinson’s defence said she had not been warned about the effect of methadone on her driving, and Mr Duff had put himself in a position of danger by being in the cycle lane.
While driving she had bent over to pick up her child's bottle, causing her car to swerve across the road. By the time she looked up, it was too late.
Atkinson pleaded guilty after initially pleading not guilty; the judge said this saved her extra jail time.
source: newshub archive
