Sister of fatal crash victim's drink-drive plea

The sister of a woman who was killed by a drink and drug-driver has urged people not to get behind the wheel while under the influence.

Carol Jones was killed as she drove to her job at Harrogate Police Station in August 2016 by a man who later admitted using cannabis and drinking alcohol before the crash.

Angie Neal, Mrs Jones' sister, said her death was "just devastating for the whole family".

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said the force had seen a 6.9% increase in drivers testing positive for being over the limit for drink or drug-driving as part of its Christmas campaign this year compared to the same period in 2022.

Mrs Jones was killed when Simeon Denny drove through a red light at 60mph (97km/h) and hit her car.

Denny, of Pontefract, West Yorkshire, was jailed for five years and nine months in 2017 for causing Mrs Jones' death.

Ms Neal, who described the impact of losing her sister and the pain of breaking the news to her elderly mother, said: "It was a very, very tough time and still is to this day, even though we're eight years down the line."

Supt Andy Berriman, from North Yorkshire Police, said the force would increase the number of drink and drug-driving patrols in the run up to Christmas.

“Every year, police officers have to deliver the devastating news to people that their loved one has been killed in a collision relating to drink or drugs," he said.

"The overwhelming majority of law-abiding motorists are appalled at drink and drug-driving and will back the action taken against a small minority to make our roads safer.”

Meanwhile, Ms Neal pleaded with people not to drive under the influence of drink or drugs.

"It's not worth it for those who have to suffer the consequences," she said.

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